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A Third-Year Medical School Ophthalmology Curriculum for a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship Model
A Itzam Marin1, Helio Neves da Silva2, Hongan Chen1
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
Journal of Academic Ophthalmology (2017)
|June 30, 2023
Summary
This pilot ophthalmology curriculum integrated into Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships (LICs) significantly boosted medical students' confidence in diagnosing and treating common eye conditions. The program highlights the importance of ophthalmic education for all future physicians.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Ophthalmology
- Health Professions Education
Background:
- Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships (LICs) offer continuity in medical education, fostering deeper patient and system engagement.
- The increasing adoption of LICs necessitates curriculum development for various specialties, including ophthalmology.
- An ophthalmology curriculum was developed to integrate eye care into the LIC model, focusing on patient transitions of care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot an ophthalmology curriculum within a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC) at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
- To assess the impact of the curriculum on medical students' attitudes, confidence, and knowledge regarding ophthalmic care.
- To provide a model for integrating underrepresented specialties into existing LIC programs.
Main Methods:
- A needs assessment involving literature review, expert interviews, and student questionnaires informed curriculum design.
- A two-part pilot curriculum was developed, comprising an introductory lecture and a half-day clinical experience.
- Student data were collected via pre- and post-intervention questionnaires during the 2018-2020 academic years.
Main Results:
- The curriculum achieved a 100% completion rate, with 90% response rates for pre- and post-intervention surveys.
- 100% of students recognized the importance of identifying when ophthalmology referral is necessary.
- Significant increases in student confidence were observed in diagnosing acute angle-closure glaucoma, treating chemical burns, and diagnosing viral conjunctivitis.
Conclusions:
- Medical students value ophthalmic education irrespective of their chosen specialty.
- The pilot ophthalmology LIC curriculum effectively enhanced student confidence in managing common eye conditions and longitudinal patient care.
- This adaptable curriculum can be implemented in other LICs and for specialties with limited representation in medical training.
