The complex anatomy of the paranasal sinuses and skull base presents a steep learning curve for junior clinicians in otolaryngology. This prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel, responsive web-based sinus CT scan interpretation training system compared to traditional educational methods. The study will enroll 36 medical trainees and junior resident physicians with no prior specialized training in otolaryngology imaging.
Following a standardized baseline video lecture, participants will be randomized (1:1) into two groups for a one-week rotation period. The intervention group will utilize an interactive, cross-platform web system featuring multi-planar correlations, the CLOSE mnemonic guided reading, and case-based self-assessments. The control group will study using standard digitized text-and-image guidelines and clinical consensus documents. The primary outcome is the objective CT interpretation score, which evaluates the accuracy of identifying anatomical variations and pathological grading (e.g., Lund-Mackay score, osteitis grading) across 10 anonymized clinical cases. Secondary outcomes include interpretation time, diagnostic confidence, and system usability. The findings of this study will provide valuable evidence on whether interactive digital tools can effectively accelerate the learning curve and improve diagnostic accuracy in specialized medical imaging education.
Medical students currently in their clinical clerkship or internship phase, or junior physicians currently undergoing standardized residency training;
No prior systematic training in specialized otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (ORL-HNS) imaging;
Voluntary participation in the study with a signed informed consent form.
Inability to access a basic smartphone or computer required for the digital training system;
Anticipated inability to complete the intervention, and assessment period (e.g., due to planned prolonged leave of absence).
Parallel
Web-Based Interactive Group
Other interventionFollowing the exact same standardized baseline lecture video on sinus anatomy, participants will receive a digitized traditional teaching material package for self-directed learning over a 1-week rotation period. This standard educational package includes detailed text-and-image handouts on sinus anatomy and static CT evaluation criteria derived from the official clinical expert consensus guidelines.
Traditional Teaching Group
Other interventionIn addition to watching the baseline video, participants will receive a standard digitized traditional teaching material package (including detailed text-and-image handouts on sinus anatomy and the CT evaluation standard documents from the "Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis"). Participants are required to complete self-directed reinforcement learning using these materials within the same period.
Objective CT interpretation test score
The objective CT interpretation test includes 10 anonymized clinical CT sequences. Participants must independently identify anatomical variations (e.g., Onodi cells, Haller cells, ostiomeatal complex) and complete the Lund-Mackay staging and osteitis grading. The total test score ranges from 0 to 100 points. A higher score indicates higher diagnostic accuracy and better performance in CT interpretation.
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