Utility of Combining a Simulation-Based Method with Lecture for Retinopathy Training in Emergency Medicine Residency

Funduscopic examination is a critical skill for diagnosing eye-related pathologies but has witnessed a decline in proficiency over recent decades. Simulation-based training is proposed as a solution to enhance emergency medicine residents' funduscopic examination skills. We hypothesized that a combination of lecture and simulation would improve residents' diagnostic abilities, with senior residents potentially outperforming junior counterparts.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of simulation-based training in improving the funduscopic examination skills of emergency medicine residents and whether factors such as seniority or prior ophthalmology rotation influenced the results. Residents participated in a 10-question image-based exam, with alternating pairs viewing images and answering questions. Simulation equipment, including digital eye examination retinopathy trainers, was utilized for the study. A lecture covering possible answers was provided, followed by a second round of testing.

A total of 20 participants in this pilot study took both the pre- and post-lecture tests. Test scores significantly improved after supplemental education, indicating the effectiveness of simulation-based training in enhancing funduscopic diagnostic skills. Interestingly, resident year and prior completion of an ophthalmology rotation did not significantly impact test scores, underscoring the importance of supplemental education. Notably, participants demonstrated high accuracy in identifying Normal Fundus and several specific pathologies post-training.

Simulation-based training, supplemented by lectures, offers a promising avenue for improving funduscopic examination proficiency among emergency medicine residents. This study's findings highlight the potential for standardized training methods to benefit residents across different levels of experience. Future research could explore the long-term retention of these skills and their translation into clinical practice. In an era where technological advancements are reshaping medical education, simulation-based training offers a promising avenue for ensuring that essential clinical skills are not lost but rather strengthened among medical professionals.