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A new model for teaching corneal foreign body removal
P E Austin1, M Ljung, K A Dunn
1Durham Emergency Physicians, NC, USA.
Summary
A skills laboratory significantly improved emergency medicine residents' self-assessed skill and confidence in removing corneal foreign bodies and rust rings. This training enhances procedural competency before clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Education
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Corneal foreign body and rust ring removal are common procedures in emergency medicine.
- Lack of prior experience is common among residents.
- Effective training methods are needed to improve resident confidence and skill.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a skills laboratory in improving self-assessed skill and confidence for corneal foreign body and rust ring removal.
Main Methods:
- A prospective trial involving 26 emergency medicine residents and 5 medical students.
- Utilized a skills laboratory with simulated corneal foreign bodies and rust rings on model eyes.
- Participants practiced removal using a slit lamp and completed pre- and post-laboratory questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Most participants (66% for foreign bodies, 86% for rust rings) had no prior removal experience.
- Median self-assessed comfort increased from 2 to 7 for foreign bodies (p=0.0001).
- Median self-assessed skill increased from 1 to 7 for foreign bodies (p=0.0001), with similar improvements for rust rings.
Conclusions:
- The skills laboratory significantly enhanced self-reported comfort and skill levels for corneal foreign body and rust ring removal.
- This training method provides valuable practice for fine-motor skills and eye-hand coordination.
- It serves as an effective preparatory step before clinical application.