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Utilisation of a smartphone-enabled video otoscope to train novices in otological examination and procedural skills

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 December 2021

A V Navaratnam ,
A Halai ,
D Chandrasekharan ,
R Mistry ,
J Rogel-Salazar ,
J G Manjaly ,
T Tatla ,
A Singh  and
K Ramdoo
A V Navaratnam*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, UK
A Halai
Affiliation:
Medical School, St George's, University of London, UK
D Chandrasekharan
Affiliation:
evidENT, UK
R Mistry
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
J Rogel-Salazar
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, Imperial College London, UK School of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK Tympa Health Technologies Ltd, London, UK
J G Manjaly
Affiliation:
National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre Deafness and Hearing Problems Theme, Ear Institute, University College London, UK
T Tatla
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, UK
A Singh
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, UK
K Ramdoo
Affiliation:
Tympa Health Technologies Ltd, London, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Mr AV Navaratnam, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Watford Road, Harrow, London HA1 3UG, UK E-mail: annakan.navaratnam@nhs.net
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Abstract

Objective

The ai/m of this study was to compare the self-reported confidence of novices in using a smartphone-enabled video otoscope, a microscope and loupes for ear examination and external ear canal procedures.

Method

Medical students (n = 29) undertook a pre-study questionnaire to ascertain their knowledge of techniques for otoscopy and aural microsuction. Participants underwent teaching on ear anatomy, examination and procedural techniques using a microscope, loupes and smartphone-enabled video otoscopes. Confidence and preference using each modality was rated using a Likert-like questionnaire.

Results

After teaching, all modalities demonstrated a significant increase in confidence in ear examination (p < 0.0001). Confidence in using the smartphone-enabled otoscope post-teaching was highest (p = 0.015). Overall, the smartphone-enabled video otoscope was the preferred method in all other parameters assessed including learning anatomy or pathology (51.72 per cent) and learning microsuction (65.51 per cent).

Conclusion

Smartphone-enabled video otoscopes provide an alternative approach to ear examination and aural microsuction that can be undertaken outside of a traditional clinical setting and can be used by novices.

Keywords

Medical EducationOtoscopyTelemedicine

Information

Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 136 , Issue 4 , April 2022 , pp. 314 - 320
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

Mr A V Navaratnam takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper Presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2020 Annual Meeting, 13 September 2020, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

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