{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Longitudinal investigation of undergraduates' radiation anxiety, interest, and career intention in interventional radiology.
{Author}: Cao Y;Yu L;Xiong F;Wang J;Kan X;Zheng C;
{Journal}: Eur Radiol
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jun 21
{Factor}: 7.034
{DOI}: 10.1007/s00330-024-10848-8
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To evaluate the effect of the school curriculum and on-site observation of interventional radiology (IR) operations in clinics on undergraduates' radiation anxiety, interest, and career intention.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Between the academic years 2021 and 2023, all of the fourth-year undergraduates were surveyed by questionnaires, which covered their pre-curriculum, post-curriculum in-school, and post-on-site view of IR surgeries in clinic. The survey included categories of gender, fear of X-ray and IR operation, interest in IR surgery, and career-pursuing intention.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>A total of 333 (91.0%) respondents (111 students for three times) were included in analyses. The fear of X-ray and radiation exposure during IR procedures was reduced after taking school courses (p < 0.001), and it was further decreased after on-site viewing (p < 0.001). The association values among the three groups were 33.8% and 41.9%, respectively. The interest in IR was improved both after applying for the curriculum and after clinical exposure to IR surgery (p < 0.001). In addition, 4 (3.6%) and 12 (10.8%) students showed a sense of achievement after taking courses and on-site viewing, respectively. The association value was 49.4%. Regarding career intention, it was both significantly increased after taking courses and on-site observation (p < 0.001). Besides, 8 (7.2%), 17 (15.3%), and 36 (32.4%) students in the three groups considered IR as the preferred career choice, respectively.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Applying for IR curriculum could reduce undergraduates' radiation anxiety, and activate their professional interest and career pursuing intention. Clinical exposure to IR surgeries further boosted this effect.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Educational interventions of curriculum and on-site view of IR surgery improve the undergraduates' interest in IR and stimulate their career intention, which is crucial for the advancement of IR.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Increasing interest in interventional radiology (IR) as a career is urgent, given rising demand of services. Education and on-site viewing of IR surgery reduced radiation anxiety and increased interest in IR. Early exposure to IR is effective at encouraging undergraduates to consider IR as their career.