(1126) The Impact of Training With Digital Otoscopes on the Performance of Conventional Otoscopy

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that incorporating video-assisted technology in otoscopy instruction for medical students (MS) enhances confidence and anatomical landmark identification in the middle ear. This study aims to determine if such instruction improves confidence and performance in traditional otoscopy, using participant questionnaires and an objective exam performance assessment.

Methods: This is a single institution, prospective randomized study. Following a brief introduction to the otoscopic exam, participants completeda pre-teaching (PrT) otoscopy assessment on two standardized patients (SP) while using a traditional otoscope. MS were randomized to a control group, training with a conventional otoscope, or an intervention group, training with both digital and conventional otoscopes. The two groups underwent a 20-minute teaching session using the digital or manual otoscopes, then completed a post-teaching (PoT) otoscopy assessment using a traditional otoscope. Surveys were used to evaluate exam confidence and accuracy in identifying middle ear anatomy.

Results: Among 30 participants, 15 were in the video otoscopy cohort. Overall, participants improved in identifying tympanic membrane (TM) pathology on SP’s (p < 0.001), though no difference was detected between the two cohorts (p=0.096). Both cohorts significantly (p < 0.001) improved in identifying middle ear anatomy (PrT 38.3%, PoT 97.7%). However, no significant inter-cohort difference was detected (p= 0.261). Among participants in the video otoscope cohort, 80.0% strongly agreed or agreed that video-assisted otoscope training improved their ability to perform otoscopic exams with a manual otoscope.

Conclusions: All medical students improved in accuracy of traditional otoscopic exam following a 20-minute teaching session, regardless of whether teaching was performed with or without video otoscopes. The majority of those who trained with the video otoscope felt that it improved their ability to perform an otoscopic exam using a manual otoscope.