Improved resident learning with tablet-based case conferences

Tablet based conference mirroring is giving residents an up close and personal look at images and making radiology case conferences a more interactive learning experience, a new study shows. Residents at Northwestern University in Chicago are using tablets and a free screen sharing software during case conferences to see and manipulate the images that are being presented. "The idea stems from the fact that I was used to having presentation slides directly in front of me during medical school lectures. I thought this would benefit radiology residents, especially in an image-detailed digital version," said Sabeen Dhand, MD, lead author of the study. The residents can see the images more clearly on their tablet and they can manipulate the images, zooming in on subtle abnormalities or panning through the images, said Dr. Dhand. Having the tablet also means access to the Internet so residents can do quick Internet searches as needed during the case conferences, he said. In addition, to manipulating the images on each individual tablet, the screen sharing software allows the presenter to shift control of his/her computer to anyone in the audience, said Dr. Dhand. That means a person in the audience can move the mouse, point out something on the presentation, etc., thereby showing it on the projector for the entire case conference audience, he said. The technology translates beyond the case conference room, allowing residents off-site to participate - at low cost - as well, Dr. Dhand added. Tablet-based conference mirroring has been in place at Northwestern since September, 2011. More than 75% of residents who have participated in this new learning format either agreed or strongly agreed that conference mirroring enhanced their learning experience, Dr. Dhand said.