Teaching DICOM by problem solving

J Digit Imaging. 2012 Oct;25(5):653-61. doi: 10.1007/s10278-012-9471-9.

Abstract

The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) is the standard for encoding and communicating medical imaging information. It is used in radiology as well as in many other imaging domains such as ophthalmology, dentistry, and pathology. DICOM information objects are used to encode medical images or information about the images. Their usage outside of the imaging department is increasing, especially with the sharing of medical images within Electronic Health Record systems. However, learning DICOM is long and difficult because it defines and uses many specific abstract concepts that relate to each other. In this paper, we present an approach, based on problem solving, for teaching DICOM as part of a graduate course on healthcare information. The proposed approach allows students with diversified background and no software development experience to grasp a large breadth of knowledge in a very short time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence*
  • Computer Communication Networks*
  • Curriculum
  • Database Management Systems
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Education, Medical, Undergraduate / methods
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted*
  • Problem Solving
  • Radiology Information Systems*