IR & INR Training Pathway Working Group

Striding Forward in the Development of an IR and INR Training Program

The College’s Interventional Radiology Committee along with the Professional Practice Committee is overseeing the development of dedicated training programs for interventional radiology (IR) and interventional neuroradiology (INR).

The IR and INR Training Pathway Working Group is responsible for the development of advanced training programs to ensure professional practice across the continuum of radiologists practising in interventional radiology and interventional neuroradiology.

These formal training programs will define minimum competencies required for specialist IR and INR practice in Australia and New Zealand and are to be accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).

Principles guiding the development of the training programs:

• IR and INR are specialties that utilise advanced imaging technologies to provide minimally invasive treatment and diagnosis across all body systems.

• IRs and INRs are clinical radiologists with specialist clinical, procedural, and advanced image interpretation abilities for making treatment decisions and performing a wide range of image-guided diagnostic and interventional procedures.

The training programs will:

• Build upon the basic procedural skills gained in the core clinical radiology training program.

• Ensure advanced clinical standards and competencies are met by all radiologists providing high-quality IR or INR care.

• Lead to RANZCR-endorsed qualifications in IR and INR.

Projects

The working group has reached some critical project developments and to date has achieved the following key milestones:

1. Undertaken an audit of local and international IR and INR programs for the purpose of learning from other established programs.

2. Published the ‘RANZCR Specialist Interventional Radiology and Interventional Neuroradiology Range of Practice’.

3. Developed high level learning outcomes and drafted the curriculum framework.

RANZCR Specialist IR and INR Range of Practice

The ‘RANZCR Specialist Interventional Radiology and Interventional Neuroradiology Range of Practice’ (bit.ly/IRandINRRangeofPractice) document was published in 2022 and can be viewed on the College’s website. This is a significant milestone for the College, being the first version to be published. The document typifies specialist IR and INR practice in Australia and New Zealand and summarises the additional advanced knowledge, behaviours, clinical skills and technical capabilities required for specialist IR and INR practice. The document is being used to guide the development of the training program.

Learning Outcomes and Curriculum

The working group is working towards developing an IR and INR training program that aligns to the Australian Medical Council’s recommended outcomes-based curriculum framework. This includes:

• developing a clear outline of what an accredited trainee placement will comprise including duration of the program, necessary pre-requisites and how overseas training experiences may comply; and

Assessment curriculum approach using a diverse range of informative assessment tasks including work-based assessments that will all be tracked using the College’s ePortfolio system. Information will be generated to inform learners and educators of progress towards learning outcomes.

• identifying learning modules, including those common to interventional radiology and interventional neuroradiology.

The working group holds monthly meetings to progress this ambitious and momentous work, which will enable the development of a contemporary, best practice and locally recognised program.

Development of assessment methods

In conjunction with developing the learning outcomes and curriculum, the working group is developing assessment methods that align with the outcomes and curriculum of the training program.

Assessment will involve a patient/trainee centred longitudinal integrated curriculum approach using a diverse range of informative assessment tasks including work-based assessments that will all be tracked using the College’s ePortfolio system. Information will be generated to inform learners and educators of progress towards learning outcomes.

To assist the working group members develop their knowledge and expertise in this area, an online educational workshop on programmatic assessment strategies will be held in March, delivered by Prof Lambert Schuwirth, Strategic Professor in Medical Education for Flinders University.

Accreditation of training sites

A critical piece of work that is central to the development process is the assessment and accreditation of advanced training centres. In 2022 the IRC surveyed IR and INR departments to determine the number of training sites and fellows in IR and INR. A strong network of training sites will be essential to deliver the training program that is under development.

Feedback

The working group will keep members informed of progress through College newsletters, eNews and the College’s website, we welcome all feedback from the College membership via interventional@ranzcr.edu.au