Diagnostic radiology in an integrated curriculum: Evaluation of student appraisal

Rationale and Objectives. This study determined student perceptions of the effectiveness of an integrated radiology curriculum in a 6-year undergraduate medical school program. Materials and Methods. Student perceptions of the effectiveness of an integrated radiology curriculum were assessed with a self-administered questionnaire that was developed in house and consisted of Likert-type and open-ended items. The questionnaire was distributed to 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 cohorts of 2nd- to 6th-year medical students. Quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Results. Ninety-nine of 173 students (57% response) returned completed questionnaires. Overall, students perceived integrated radiology teaching as satisfactorily achieved and useful in facilitating learning. Compared with students in the 2nd and final years of undergraduate medical education and training, those in years 3-5 considered integrated radiology teaching to be very effective. Results of the survey suggest future modifications to improve the effectiveness of integrated radiology teaching. Conclusion. Radiology can be successfully integrated into modern medical curricula. Student comments indicate the need to structure and organize the integrated teaching better and to introduce it earlier in the medical school curriculum.