Description and validation of a structured simulation curriculum for strabismus surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and validate a Web-based structured simulation curriculum of strabismus surgery for residents in training using noncadaveric eye models.


METHODS
A pre- and posttest of cognitive skills, objective wet laboratory structured assessment of technique, and summative global evaluation form were implemented as part of a systematic ophthalmology wet lab (OWL) curriculum. Strabismus techniques were taught using a structured simulation method on noncadaveric models of eyes. Likert scale questionnaires were administered to assess the comfort level with strabismus surgery of residents before and after participation in the wet laboratory. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t test.


RESULTS
Seven residents participated in the curriculum. Average test scores improved from 65% to 91% (P = 0.0002). Resident comfort level improved from an average score (assessed by Likert scale of 1-5) with standard deviation of 2.6 ± 1.0 to 4.3 ± 0.5 for passing scleral sutures (P = 0.0008), of 2.6 ± 0.5 to 4.3 ± 0.5 for isolating and suturing muscles (P = 0.00004), and of 2.7 ± 1.0 to 4.6 ± 0.5 for comfort with naming instruments (P = 0.0007).


CONCLUSIONS
In this study of 7 residents, knowledge and comfort level with strabismus surgery statistically improved with a structured simulation curriculum.
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
Kevin R
KR
Gertsch
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
Anna
A
Kitzmann
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
Scott A
SA
Larson
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
Richard J
RJ
Olson
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
Reid A
RA
Longmuir
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
Brad A
BA
Sacher
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
Thomas A
TA
Oetting
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. Electronic address: susannah-longmuir@uiowa.edu.
Susannah Q
SQ
Longmuir
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007396:Internship and Residency; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education; D013285:Strabismus / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013536:Suture Techniques