Modernising ophthalmology teaching: introducing a live and interactive video link.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Ophthalmology Training
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Ophthalmology training in Health Education Thames Valley (HETV) involved compulsory weekly sessions in Oxford.
• Traditional in-person attendance led to significant travel distances, incurring costs, stress, and environmental impact.
• The need for a more efficient and cost-effective training delivery method was identified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive live video link system for ophthalmology training.
• To assess the impact of telecommuting on trainee costs, travel time, and overall teaching experience.
• To determine the feasibility and cost-benefit of implementing video conferencing in postgraduate medical education.

Main Methods:

• A live video link was established between three sites using free software, with an initial hardware investment of £200 per site.
• Trainees completed weekly feedback questionnaires over a 9-month period to assess the videolink's impact.
• Projected annual travel savings were calculated based on trainee travel data and feedback.

Main Results:

• An average of 10.8 trainees (49.1%) completed weekly questionnaires.
• 78.6% of trainees reported learning as much as attending in person, and 91.17% found interaction adequate.
• The system saved trainees working outside Oxford an average of 2120 km and £594 annually, with a projected £7128 annual saving for HETV.

Conclusions:

• The live video link is a valuable tool for delivering ophthalmology training, effectively reducing travel burdens and enhancing trainee well-being.
• The initial investment of £600 for hardware yielded substantial annual savings for trainees.
• The model has potential for national adaptation in postgraduate training to improve efficiency and reduce travel-related stress.