Comparison of student radiographers abilities to estimate distance, accurately collimate the x-ray beam and their knowledge of equipment in a real x-ray room after training with a screen based computer simulator

Prospective monocentric blinded randomised controlled trial of a tutor-facilitated screen-based computer simulated virtual radiographic environment compared with tutor-supported groupwork in a radiography skills lab

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN81149048

Enrollment

Registered

2009-10-26

Start date

2009-09-22

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2016-10-17

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Radiography skills training Not Applicable

Interventions

The intervention group will attend eight hours of screen-based computer simulation workshops (n = 20) facilitated by a tutor. There will be sessions, split into three 45-minute labs, once a week for t

session frequency varies due to individual small group timetables. All three sessions will be completed within four weeks. During this trial period, both groups will attend all other lectures on the

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: Two cohorts (approximately 40 students each) enrolled on a pre-registration diagnostic radiography course will be offered the chance to volunteer. All aged 18 - 50 years, both male and female.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. No previous experience in a radiographic environment 2. Capable of giving informed consent

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
1. Ability to name five parts of real radiography equipment as indicated by the assessor 2. Skill in using equipment in a real radiography room, measured by time taken to complete two standardised tasks 3. Ability to estimate source to image distance and collimate to specific standard sizes, observed by measuring set areas and distances against the target areas and distances These observations will be repeated before and after the interventions. Participants will be given the opportunity to provide a written comment on both methods of learning at the end of the trial, this will not exceed 200 words.	—

Measure

Time frame

1. Ability to name five parts of real radiography equipment as indicated by the assessor 2. Skill in using equipment in a real radiography room, measured by time taken to complete two standardised tasks 3. Ability to estimate source to image distance and collimate to specific standard sizes, observed by measuring set areas and distances against the target areas and distances These observations will be repeated before and after the interventions. Participants will be given the opportunity to provide a written comment on both methods of learning at the end of the trial, this will not exceed 200 words.

—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
No secondary outcome measures	—

Countries

United Kingdom

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026