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. 2023 Feb;37(2):290-296.
doi: 10.1038/s41433-021-01896-1. Epub 2022 Jan 20.

Development of virtual ophthalmic surgical skills training

Chandni Gupta  1 , Christin Henein  2 , Christopher Ashton  3   4 , Achini Makuloluwa  3 , Rashmi G Mathew  3   4
Affiliations

Development of virtual ophthalmic surgical skills training

Chandni Gupta et al. Eye (Lond). 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Background: This study aims to assess whether ophthalmic surgical skills can be taught successfully online to a diverse international and interprofessional student group.

Methods: Mixed methods study involving 20 students and 5 instructors. Each student completed a pre-session and post-session questionnaire to assess their perceptions regarding online instruction. Changes in questionnaire responses were analysed using Wilcoxon signed rank (SPSS 25). Semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess instructor perceptions towards virtual surgical skills teaching. Thematic analysis was undertaken using NVivo 12.0 software.

Results: There was a 100% completion rate of pre- and post-session questionnaires. Prior to the session, lack of instructor supervision and inability to provide constructive feedback were emergent themes from students. Pre-session concerns regarding online delivery: 40% of students thought their view of skills demonstration would be negatively impacted, 60% their level of supervision and 55% their interaction with instructors. Following the session 10%, 15% and 5% held this view respectively. All students were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' regarding the 'Surgeon's View' camera angle as well as the use of breakout rooms. 75% perceived an improvement in their confidence in instrument handling, 80% in cable knot tying and 70% in suture tying. Overall student rating for the virtual surgical skills session was 8.85 (±1.19) out of 10 (10 being most satisfied).

Conclusions: We demonstrate that successful delivery of a virtual ophthalmic surgical skills course is feasible. We were able to widen accessibility and participation through virtual delivery, which has future implications for ophthalmic surgical teaching and its reach.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Use of ‘Surgeon’s View’ and Breakout Rooms.
a How to achieve ‘Surgeon’s view’ by turning the camera device and angling the camera angle (arrow). b Surgeon’s view of trabeculectomy releasable suture demonstration. c Instructor’s view whilst supervising students in the breakout room.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Student Responses.
Pre- and post-session student responses regarding perceived confidence in surgical skills and attitude towards the virtual surgical skills session. n = 20, Wilcoxon signed ranks test p < 0.05 for all six questions.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3. Student Responses.
Student responses regarding satisfaction with virtual delivery of surgical skills session.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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