AB0850 DUTCH RHEUMATOLOGISTS’ PERSPECTIVE ON MRI EDUCATION: DO WE NEED TO CHANGE?
Authors: M. Cabri, C. J. Van der Laken, M. Maas
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2021)

Background: Studies have shown the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an objective tool for diagnosis, follow up and detection of complications for a broad spectrum of rheumatology associated diseases [1]. With increasing (potential) clinical applications of MRI, rheumatologists need basic knowledge about the technique and interpretation of the images to get most out of MRI use in clinical practice. Although radiologists will remain the experts of MRI protocols and readings, lack of sufficient rheumatologists training will not yield in optimal interaction between the specialists and will negatively influence the benefit of the MRI contribution to patient care. Despite offered MRI courses within EULAR, in the Netherlands there is currently no structural MRI education for rheumatologists (in training). This while rheumatologists are intrinsically motivated to improve their MRI skills [2,3]. Objectives: By use of a developed questionnaire: [1]To create an overview of the current communication methods between rheumatologists and radiologists regarding MRI and rheumatologists’ perspectives on the efficiency and effectiveness of the imaging requests and radiologists reports. [2]To make an inventory of current knowledge and interpretation skills of rheumatologists concerning MRI. [3]To assess the needs of rheumatologists for education to work with MRI requests, reading and reports in routine clinical care by development of a questionnaire to determine the current clinical situation. Methods: A questionnaire was created. Results: A total of 109 respondents (28% respons) have filled in the form with a 100% completion rate. 1. Communication: Communication regarding MRI in rheumatology is done largely per request of the rheumatologist with a high level of satisfaction concerning the quality of the discussion. Most medical centers have no multidisciplinary team meeting with the radiology department, discussions are mostly performed on demand. 2. Interpretation: Rheumatologist predominantly rely on the conclusion of the radiology report with little understanding of the technical and anatomical characteristics of the images. Only a small percentage (6%) of rheumatologists is able to interpret the images. Half of the responders do not feel competent to teach fellow colleagues about imaging. 3. Educational wishes: When asked to prioritize the subject of imaging education, most people prefer interpretation skills, followed by instructions on how to provide most optimal clinical information and question(s) on the request form as well as knowledge on anatomy. Least preferred is education concerning the MRI technique itself. The preferred method of advanced imaging education is a combination of classroom teaching and e-learning. Conclusion: Dutch rheumatologists express a satisfactory communication with their radiologists, which is mostly not performed structurally. Rheumatologists indicated that education, in particular in MRI imaging reading,will provide a better understanding in the MRI technique and applicability as well as confidence in self-interpretation of the images. The preferred method of MRI imaging education is blended (e.g., a combination of classroom teaching and e-learning). The results therefore show that MRI education of rheumatologists is still a need in clinical practice in the Netherlands. MRI education of rheumatologists can contribute to more efficient application of MRI in rheumatology patient care, including a more optimal interaction between radiologists and rheumatologists. References: [1]Sudol-Szopinska I et al : Recommendations of the ESSR Arthritis Subcommittee for the Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Musculoskeletal Rheumatic Diseases. Seminars in musculoskeletal radiology 2015 [2]Bandinelli F et al : Rheumatology education in Europe: results of a survey of young rheumatologists. Clinical and experimental rheumatology 2011 [3]Maksymowych WP et al : Diagnosis of Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Primary Unmet Educational Need for Rheumatologists Is Interpretation of MRI [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020 Disclosure of Interests: None declared