Comparing learning level and student's attitudes toward radiology training through the use of computed tomography simulators and traditionally training devices at Ahwaz University of Medical Sciences

One of the training tools in health care is computer simulators; the purpose of this area of education is training outside the clinic in a manageable framework, and, in the field of health care, computed tomography simulator is a kind of educational software. This research was a cross-sectional study, and was conducted in order to compare the learning of radiology students using traditional training method with computed tomography simulator, moreover, to investigate their views about using simulators for training. In this regard, 61 students in the school of radiology were measured before training. Then, the population was divided randomly into two groups: one group was trained with a computerized tomography simulator and the other was trained by traditional method at hospital; subsequently, views of students trained by simulator software were measured. For data analysis, 20th-version SPSS software was used. Statistically significant differences between the scores within both groups before and after training were observed. The most important features of the simulator from Students’ perspective were: enhance readiness and reduce stress level before training, compatibility of simulator environment with real device protocols, and speed up learning. Outcomes of this study showed that computer simulators provided learning in a virtual environment can be adapted for training radiology students. Thus, professional skills can improve before facing a real patient.