Meeting the need for remote training in cardiac imaging – Construction of an interactive case-based learning platform for CMR and CCT using a Germany-wide database

Clin Res Cardiol (2024). DOI 10.1007/s00392-024-02406-5
S. Werhahn (Berlin)¹, P. Doeblin (Berlin)¹, K. J. S. W. Weiß (Berlin)¹, R. E. Beyer (Berlin)¹, D. Hashemi (Berlin)¹, J. Veit (Berlin)¹, N. Solowjowa (Berlin)², A. Portmann (Berlin)³, E. Fleck (Berlin)⁴, A. Rolf (Bad Nauheim)⁵, G. Korosoglou (Weinheim)⁶, S. Kelle (Berlin)^1
1Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charite (DHZC) Klinik für Kardiologie, Angiologie und Intensivmedizin | CVK Berlin, Deutschland; ²Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charite (DHZC) Klinik für Herz-, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie Berlin, Deutschland; ³Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin Foundation Berlin, Deutschland; ⁴Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charite (DHZC) Berlin, Deutschland; ⁵Kerckhoff Klinik GmbH Abteilung für Kardiologie Bad Nauheim, Deutschland; ⁶GRN Klinik Weinheim Kardiologie, Angiologie und Pneumologie Weinheim, Deutschland

Background: Remote training opportunities are a promising and validated tool to meet the growing need of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) trained cardiologists.[1] Case-based learning is an established tool in imaging education and central part of national and international processes of certification. [2, 3] Together with the German Society of Cardiology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kardiologie, DGK) we build up a Germany-wide database and online platform for case-based learning of CMR and CCT.

Methods: A Germany-wide database will allow for collection of clinical cases including original data records (DICOM files) of different cardiac imaging modalities. Cases will be prepared for case-based learning experience based on existing literature [4] and reviewed by experts in the field of cardiac imaging to guarantee high educational standards. As preparatory project, we designed a learning platform based on the learning management system moodle (ELeDia, Germany), that gives access to simple case demonstration and has been launched in November 2023 (CardioCaseMix by the Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin Foundation). It will include an online survey using Likert-type questions to assess participants’ experiences and preferences.

Results: We present the first interactive case-based learning platform for CMR and CCT based on a Germany-wide database (see figure 1). In the context of clinical cases, original data sets can be analysed using an online-workstation. Through accreditation by the Berlin Medical Council and the German Society of Cardiology, the platform will facilitate training and certification of cardiologists in CMR and CCT. Results of the preparatory platform moodle (see figure 2) will include number of users, their clinical background and evaluation of the learning experience as well as achieved certification. In parallel, a web-based software will be developed together with the Fraunhofer-Institut für Digitale Medizin (MEVIS, Germany), that allows for analysis of original imaging data.

Conclusion: There is an acute need for validated, remote training opportunities in CMR and CCT to facilitate training, education and certification. We introduce an interactive case-based learning platform for CMR and CCT using a Germany-wide database, that will allow for analysis of original records with a programmed software. All modalities will be processed not only from a technical point of view but also in a patient-centered way, including clinical indications for imaging and therapeutic consequences.  



Figure 1 Scope of the Germany-wide database and case-based learning platform

Figure 2 Existing learning platform of the Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin Foundation