Case based learning in the clinical environment can be ad-hoc, unstructured and provide incomplete curriculum coverage. Limited time for clinicians to have face to face meetings, geographical variations in expertise and provision of specialised hospital units, and uncontrolled patient selection are just some of the causes.
The VCA will enable both trainees and practising consultants to benefit and share the expertise available nationally. Image-based interpretation is just one example of the ways in which VCA can support training – in addition trainees will also be able to assess their progress through a variety of formative assessments. Trainees will have access to a much wider variety and greater depth of experience in case interpretation than is currently available through direct patient contact.
All clinical specialties that use image interpretation within their practice will also find the VCA invaluable as it will provide a wide variety of examples of specific diagnoses and clinical presentations.
Trained professionals could also improve their interpretation skills with exposure to, and discussion of, a larger and wider variety of ‘virtual cases’, helping to reinforce their skills through the use of assessments.
Initially, the VCA will be linked to the training curricula of the relevant professional bodies, but, over time, the number and type of cases within the VCA will be expanded to include more specialised interpretation skills.
Relevant professional bodies will organise case collection under the guidance of their clinical lead. Similarly, relevant committees in each professional body will agree any recognition of cases for citation and award of CPD.
