Evaluation of a radiographer tele-training programme in the interpretation of CT Colonography

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common, and deadly human cancers. By early identification of suspect lesions, screening has the potential to reduce mortality. Colonoscopy remains the screening gold standard, but “virtual
colonoscopy“ or CT-colonography (CTC) has been shown to generate encouraging results in polyp detection.
CTC could be made more efficient and widely applicable if radiographers were trained to interpret the images they generate. Unfortunately “classical“ training programs in which highly-qualified radiologists give radiographers detailed explanations can involve unacceptable increases in radiologists’ work-load.
This paper describes a tele-radiology-based CTC teaching program designed to alleviate radiology work-load and summarizes the results of a practical evaluation of such training programs.