Evaluation of a simulation tool in ophthalmology: application in teaching funduscopy

• Main Authors: Joice Elise Androwiki, Isaac Assis Scravoni, Lucas Holderegger Ricci, Djalma José Fagundes, Caroline Amaral Ferraz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Conselho Brasileiro de Oftalmologia 2015-02-01
• Series: Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia
• Subjects: Oftalmoscopia/educação; Oftalmoscópios/utilização; Simulação; Educação médica; Técnicas de diagnóstico oftalmológico
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0004-27492015000100010&lng=en&tlng=en

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the Eye Retinopathy Trainer® as a teaching tool for direct ophthalmoscopy examination by comparing it with the traditional method using volunteers. Methods: Fourth year medical students received training in direct ophthalmoscopy using a simulation tool and human volunteers. Ninety students were randomized into a Simulation Group or a Control Group by the inclusion or absence of the simulation model in classroom practice. Differences between the groups were analyzed using unpaired Student’s t-test. Results: The Simulation Group was superior to the Control Group, with 51.06% successful in performing fundus examination in both the anatomical model simulation and the human model in comparison with 21.15% in the Control Group. Conclusion: The Eye Retinopathy Trainer® appears to be an effective teaching tool for practice and improvement of ophthalmologic examination among fourth year medical students.