Mobile learning device increased study efficiency for radiology residents but with risk of temporary novelty effect

Digital resources in learning are increasingly available and offer new possibilities in education. Mobile learning devices (MLD) such as tablets provide easy and flexible access for users.

To investigate whether the introduction of MLDs in radiology education affected time spent on studies over a longer time frame and whether learning behavior and attitudes changed.

The radiology residents employed during 2015–2016 were invited to participate in this 12-month MLD intervention study. Results were evaluated using online questionnaires at six months (6 m) and 12 months (12 m).

Thirty-one residents were included, of whom half were in the early stages of residency (<2 years). After the MLD introduction, most participants (91% [6 m] and 83% [12 m]) estimated increased time spent on studies. Of these, 32% stated “a lot more” at 6 m but only 8% at 12 m (P = 0.12). The MLDs showed positive effects on the experience of radiology studies, as a majority of participants stated better quality and effectiveness in their studies (100% [6 m]–92% [12 m]), that MLD facilitated access to educational materials to a high degree (83% [6 m]–75% [12 m]), and that studies had become better and more fun (96% [6 m]–100% [12 m]).

The use of MLDs seems to facilitate learning effectively for radiologic residents. However, a larger scale study is required as a trend of decreasing figures in the longer term was seen, but our results did not show a significant reduction of time spent on radiology studies.