Distance learning in the digital environment

The expansion of radiology departments and divisions often can not occur in adjacent geographic locations. This leads to a greater separation of staff and residents, as well as workers in similar divisions. This makes traditional teaching difficult in academic institutions. The economic drive forcing many departments to investigate more isolated outpatient imaging centers has further hindered the ability to continue effective academic training at many facilities. The ability to easily share a digital environment across physical distance can greatly enhance the teaching experience, as well as be a valuable tool for consultation and case discussion with referring clinicians. The transition to a filmless environment with picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) can be utilized for distance learning in addition to the clinical arena. It is possible to take advantage of the digital transformation to PACS and case-viewing browser programs to conduct improved interactions with referring clinicians as well as radiologic teaching with relatively minimal hardware and software demands. The integration of web-based teleradiology programs with business networking software can be used for effective distance learning in the digital environment, sufficiently closing the distance on our rapidly expanding departments. This same technology allows for greater interaction with referring clinicians for real-time consultation and enhanced case discussion to entrench a supportive referral base for the radiologic community.