Evaluation of identification of radiological signs in chest x-ray in medicine students

Abstract

Introduction: There are several diseases that have a high impact in public health, which are diagnosed with the help of chest x-rays for its low cost and important diagnostic value. Recent studies show that the ability to identify radiological signs in chest x-ray is poor in medicine students.

Objective: To evaluate the ability to identify clinical signs in chest x-rays in pregrade students Method: A prospective, transversal, descriptive and observational study was carried out. The ability to identify radiological signs was evaluated in a representative sample of the medicine students belonging to Clinical Sciences, conformed by 34 participants. An instrument was built and validated in order to evaluate the students.

Results: Fifty percent (17students) showed an insufficient ability to identify radiological signs in chest x-rays. The less identified radiological signs were roentgenolucent increase 5.8%, air bronchogram 23.5% and costophrenic angle effacement 38.3%. The radiological findings that were identified the most were teardrop shaped heart 94.1%, cavitation 91.1% and alveolar infiltrate 82.3%.

Conclusions: At least, half of the student’s sample did not have the ability to identify radiological signs in chest x-ray. There were many factors that explain this results, such as the lack of student practice for the ability’s development and the absence of student’s mentor in the clinical practice.