Longitudinal evaluation of RADUCATION: a digital learning environment for the radiology residency structured to a competency-based curriculum by the German Young Radiology Forum

Abstract

Introduction: RADUCATION - a digital platform for radiological postgraduate training by the German Young Radiology Forum - provides learning content structured according to the German Training Curriculum, including original board exam questions. This is the first study to evaluate user statistics, experience, and preferences. Materials and methods: Data were collected through webpage analytics and surveys. User statistics were analyzed for four periods: initial usage (05/2022–05/2023), post-introduction of theoretical board exam questions (05–11/2023), post-introduction of image-based board exam questions (12/2023–05/2024), and ongoing usage (03–12/2024). User perception surveys were conducted before (05/2023–01/2024) and after (06–08/2024) implementation of image-based board exam questions. Analyses included descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regressions. Results: User numbers increased steadily, with board exam questions becoming the most accessed feature. Mean monthly active user numbers increased from 372 between 05/2022–05/2023 (total users 4468), to 613 between 03/2024–12/2024 (total 15,828). Survey respondents (n = 243) consistently rated RADUCATION as valuable for board exam preparation (88.6%), for night/weekend shifts (75.6%), and for clinical routine (73.4%). Board exam preparation was more beneficial for 4th/5th-year residents (odds ratio (OR) 1.35 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.15–1.59)), while shift preparation was less critical for senior than for junior residents (OR 0.77 (95% CI: 0.59–0.99)). Video- and image-based learning content were preferred, with users rating the platform highly user-friendly (86.0%) and clearly structured (88.0%). Conclusions: RADUCATION is a valuable, widely used digital learning tool for radiology residents. Board exam questions substantially increased engagement. Its structured, peer-developed design offers a scalable model for digital postgraduate medical education across specialties and countries. Critical relevance statement: This is the first comprehensive evaluation of RADUCATION, a peer-developed, competency-based digital learning platform for the radiology residency. Integrating original board exam questions significantly increases engagement and perceived educational value, offering a scalable model for modern postgraduate medical education. Key points: RADUCATION, a peer-developed, competency-based learning platform for radiology residents, is a highly valued, scalable model for postgraduate medical training. Users prefer video- and image-based content, while engagement and perceived educational value increase when integrating original board exam questions. RADUCATION is perceived as user-friendly and well-structured, and is considered particularly valuable for exam preparation by senior residents.