A Web-based platform for e-training in Echocardiography

AIMS In DIAGNOSTIC BY IMAGING accurate images interpretation requires an EXPERT, SKILLED OPERATOR but the opportunities to train and update those skills are often lacking. The aid of technological advances is warmly welcome, especially concerning Internet and WEB 2.0 TECHNOLOGIES, representing a useful add-on to current training methods for practitioners. i-Train is a WEB-BASED E-LEARNING AND E-TRAINING PLATFORM for health practitioners, to improve effectiveness in the clinical interpretations of MEDICAL IMAGES AND LOOPS. The platform could be particularly suitable for Echocardiography as a potentially widespread method due to its non-invasiveness, low-cost and transportability. METHODS LEARNING SECTION: - INTRODUCTION, with text and images, to the methods; - Selected READINGS for in-depth study; - ILLUSTRATIVE CASES to better understand the application of the methods; - SELF TEST ASSESSMENT on clear studies with immediate feedback and evaluation; - COMMENTS on the answers (TIPS & TRICKS to better execute tests/evaluate the studies) from the Coordination Team. TRAINING SECTION: - CONTINUOUS PROGRAMS with PERIODICAL EXERCISES with more complex and challenging cases; - PEER COMPARISON with the whole COMMUNITY, featuring Web 2.0 principles, to reach a consensus on interpretation; - COMMENTS from the COORDINATION TEAM and referral to significant PAPERS on the related topic; - COMMUNITY DISCUSSION and focus on the theme related to the case. RESULTS Remote training programs could REDUCE MISINTERPRETATION of medical images and IMPROVE SKILLS of participants, enabling them to enter a HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS' NETWORK for peer-discussion and comparison on medical imaging. To date, 107 skilled professionals are registered, and 15 clinical cases have been developed on 3 platform programs. Preliminary evidences already displayed a heterogeneity in images interpretation, proving a strong need for HARMONISATION between clinical centres and professionals.