K-Train--a computer-based, interactive training program with an incorporated certification system for practicing kinetic perimetry: evaluation of acceptance and success rate.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate, in an experimental study, an interactive, computer-based teaching procedure for kinetic perimetry that incorporates an evaluation system for scoring examination technique.


METHODS
K-Train was developed and based on the original user interface of the new semi-automated kinetic perimetry (SKP) feature of the OCTOPUS 101 perimeter (HAAG-STREIT, Koeniz, Switzerland). The trainer creates a 3D individual "hill of vision" for a specific pathology and the trainee can individually select target characteristics and independently define origin, end and direction of each kinetic stimulus with the help of vectors. Quality of the perimetric examination can be quantitatively assessed by the ratio of intersection area and union area of the trainee's result and the related trainer-defined original isopter. This ratio and other parameters are used to define a score of "perimetric quality". The general acceptance of K-Train was assessed in 30 participants in two perimetric courses. The success rate was examined by comparing the scores before and after a perimetric training session.


RESULTS
The K-Train course was graded by the participants with an average score of 1.35 (range 1-3) in a scoring system ranging from 1=excellent to 6=unsatisfactory. The average perimetric quality score increased from 48 before to 59 (max. 100) after the training (27 trainees) indicating that K-Train was able to achieve and also verify a considerable success rate.


CONCLUSIONS
The acceptance of K-Train, a computer-based, interactive tool that allows for certification, education and quality control of kinetic perimetry, is high. K-Train is capable of improving a trainee's individual performance in kinetic perimetry and of verifying this by an appropriate scoring system.
University Eye Hospital, Department of Pathophysiology of Vision and Neuro-Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany. ulrich.schiefer@uni-tuebingen.de
U
U
Schiefer
K
K
Nowomiejska
E
E
Krapp
J
J
Pätzold
C A
CA
Johnson
D000328:Adult; D002568:Certification / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education*; D011786:Quality Control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D058609:Visual Field Tests / Q000379:methods*; D014794:Visual Fields