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The FORCE project is developing a virtual web-based learning resource where Radiography undergraduates can engage in interactive, problem-based development of radiographic knowledge, ability, and professional awareness. To evaluate the suitability of the learning materials, initial case simulations were reviewed by radiographers and other participants. Radiography delegates at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2022 were invited to engage with up to three case simulations from the FORCE project in the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) Research Hub. Participants gave their opinions on the cases in an online questionnaire with fifteen Likert scale questions and opportunity for open text additions. The three cases were: radiography of the ankle and foot; radionuclide imaging bone scan, patient for CT with allergic reaction to contrast agent. 63 participants gave overwhelmingly positive feedback on the case simulations, but also offered multiple constructive comments to assist future development. The interactive structure of the case simulations was particularly well received. The variation in practice between different countries was seen as both a useful discussion point arising from the simulations and is an item that could be explored more deeply through the simulations. The interactive video-based format of the case simulations within the FORCE project provides a suitable structure for development of further cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of simulation to augment clinical radiography education has been shown to be effective in developing competence and confidence in undergraduate students, but can be time consuming to develop and embed into an existing programme curriculum. FORCE, a Framework for Online Radiography Clinical Education, is a two year, EU funded project in which web based case simulations and learning resources are being developed for open access use. The FORCE project is leveraging a variety of web-based tools to develop interactive simulations. One aim of the project is to share the experience gained as guidance for those centres approaching the development of simulation for a first time. Simulated patient cases (20 diagnostic, 10 RNI and 10 therapy) are in various stages of development. Four longitudinal learning themes were identified to run through each case: i) patient care, ii) performance of the examination, iii) patient safety and radiographer responsibility; iv) image interpretation or treatment review. Video footage was shot largely from the visual perspective of the radiographer and with English audio, to facilitate learner immersion in the case. Each case was built in user friendly software that allowed incorporation of interactive learner activities to maintain interest during self-directed online learning. Development of the "framework" for holding the case simulations involved consideration of i) ethics of data collection and data sharing, ii) web hosting capacity, iii) web security, iv) virtual learning environment, v) single sign on (SSO) capacity for any learner anywhere, irrespective of individual university firewalls; vi) economic viability in an open access format. Radiographer evaluation of three pilot cases (two diagnostic, one radionuclide imaging) was positive and constructive, validating the approaches taken. The various solutions incorporated into the project will be explained in the presentation, together with advice on optimal approaches and pitfalls to avoid if undertaking development of simulation. €300,000 grant over two years awarded by the European Union for an Erasmus + strategic collaboration between: FH Campus Wien, Instituto Politecnico do Porto, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Universita ta Malta, University College Dublin, University of Suffolk, University of Western Norway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall aim of the FORCE project is to develop virtual web-based learning resources where radiography undergraduates can engage in interactive, problem-based development of radiographic knowledge, ability and professional awareness. It is a pre-requisite of radiographer education that students learn during clinical placements. This is essential for the development of competence and confidence in the emerging graduate. The number of undergraduate radiographers in training poses challenges to clinical placement capacity in many countries, which in turn impacts the quality of the clinical education experience. Solutions are needed to augment the scale and quality of clinical learning. The FORCE project is leveraging a variety of web-based tools to develop a simulation system to augment clinical education, and within this will promote the recognition and validation of the knowledge, skills, and competences thus gained. Within a web-based virtual learning environment (VLE), simulated patient cases (20 diagnostic, 10 RNI and 10 therapy) that encourage learner interaction are being developed. Each patient case includes learning resources pertaining to patient care; performance of diagnostic radiography or radionuclide imaging or therapy planning; patient safety; image interpretation and radiographer roles and responsibilities. The presentation will explain the development process to date, and how the resources will become available on completion of the project in May 2023. All image data have been and will be harvested and used in compliance with GDPR and under ethical approval. €300,000 grant over two years awarded by the European Union for an Erasmus + strategic collaboration between: FH Campus Wien, Instituto Politecnico do Porto, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Universita ta Malta, University College Dublin, University of Suffolk, University of Western Norway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]