title: Evaluation of a simulation tool in ophthalmology: application in teaching funduscopy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the Eye Retinopathy Trainer® as a teaching tool for direct ophthalmoscopy examination by comparing it with the traditional method using volunteers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourth year medical students received training in direct ophthalmoscopy using a simulation tool and human volunteers. Ninety students were randomized into a Simulation Group or a Control Group by the inclusion or absence of the simulation model in classroom practice. Differences between the groups were analyzed using unpaired Student's t-test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Simulation Group was superior to the Control Group, with 51.06% successful in performing fundus examination in both the anatomical model simulation and the human model in comparison with 21.15% in the Control Group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Eye Retinopathy Trainer® appears to be an effective teaching tool for practice and improvement of ophthalmologic examination among fourth year medical students.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Anhembi Morumbi University, Laureate International Universities, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Joice Elise
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Androwiki
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Anhembi Morumbi University, Laureate International Universities, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Isaac Assis
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Scravoni
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Anhembi Morumbi University, Laureate International Universities, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Lucas Holderegger
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Ricci
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Djalma José
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Fagundes
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Anhembi Morumbi University, Laureate International Universities, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Caroline Amaral
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Ferraz
mesh_terms: D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education*; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*