Using the World-Wide Web to train and certify physicians in the safe use of fluoroscopy.

Overview

OBJECTIVE: We sought to create a computer-generated certification examination that concurrently tests and educates fluoroscopy users. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A trial examination was placed on the Internet for area physicians who requested fluoroscopic privileges at our institution. The name and address of each individual who achieves a passing score is automatically sent by e-mail to the examination administrator. RESULTS: Physicians expressed widespread satisfaction with this certification process. The difference in number of attempts and score of the first attempt between groups of radiologists and nonradiologists favored the radiologists (p approximately .03 in both cases) when analyzed using an unpaired t test. CONCLUSION: This examination ensures understanding of the procedural parameters that contribute to skin injury in patients and affords an easy approach to self-education.