Cost awareness of interventional radiology devices among radiology trainees

Aim 

To assess radiology trainees’ ability to identify and estimate costs of common disposable radiological devices and identify deficiencies in postgraduate teaching in terms of healthcare economics. 

Methods 

Postgraduate radiology trainees were invited to partake in a questionnaire via email. An anonymous online survey consisting of 26 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) was administered. Respondents were asked to identify and then cost 13 devices. 

Results 

The questionnaire was delivered to 82 Radiology trainees. The response rate was 60% (49/82). The mean percentage of correct answers was 91.6%. No trainee accurately estimated the cost for all 13 devices assessed. The cost of devices was underestimated by trainees 48.9% of the time and overestimated 32.3% of the time. 

Conclusion 

Radiology trainees are deficient in cost awareness of a number of common IR devices used. A health economics module in postgraduate radiology training may improve the efficiency of healthcare expenditure within radiology departments.