Abstract:
Purpose: Radiography is a dynamic profession that has undergone rapid technological advancements in recent years. The use of technology-enhanced learning, teaching and assessment (TELTA) to support innovative training options for radiographers to enhance their radiographic image evaluation and pattern recognition skills is warranted. However, a gap in current practice exists in the availability of custom designed computer-aided detection (CAD) tools to augment TELTA use in radiography. Methods and Materials: A CAD tool for teaching pattern recognition in chest imaging was designed as a collaborative project between the Mechanical Engineering Science and Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Departments, the University of Johannesburg. A Design Science Research (DSR) paradigm was used. An initial needs analysis was performed involving a focus group interview of eight practising radiography educators. The findings of a systematic literature review coupled with the needs analysis outcomes were used to compile a software requirements specification document to guide the CAD tool development process. Results: A CAD prototype was designed to function as a live tool for LTA purposes. The CAD tool design facilitates the collection of data on student tool usage, performance in automated assessments and managed progress based on user-tracked data. Important to the tool was that the students should be able to apply standard pattern recognition tools to manipulate the image without altering the original. Conclusion: Details of how the prototype was developed will be given; the development base provides an evidence based mechanism for further prototype innovations. Initial data from prototype testing will be provided.
