Surgical Training In Ophthalmology: Role Of Eyesi In The Era Of Simulation-Based Learning
Published 2022 - 40th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PP07.06 | Type: ESCRS 2022 - Posters | DOI: 10.82333/x6vf-1939
Authors: Sehrish Nizar Ali Momin* 1 , Muhammad Bilal Malik 1
1Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences,The Aga Khan University Hospital,Karachi,Pakistan
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify consistent or improving scores following a repetition of the same level in a cataract surgery module on EyeSi simulator. This was performed by various participants, with different levels of experience on EyeSi and real-life surgery, which could help assess the learning curve.
Setting
The evaluation was based on a single step of capsulorhexis performed on EyeSi system available at the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. The data was obtained between 2nd-31st August 2021.
Methods
The study included 8 participants that involved consultants, residents, and research fellows with varying levels of real-life surgical hands-on experience. A single level of Cataract module labeled as "Capsulorhexis-High tension without guiding elements" was selected and a complete central curvilinear capsulorhexis was performed using any instruments of the participant's choice. Each participant was given 6 attempts, 3 consecutive attempts on day 1, and then 3 consecutive attempts after one week.
Results
The mean score of all participants in the first attempt was 51.25 ± 34.6 as compared to the final attempt which was 78.75 ± 9.98. There was an increase of 27.5 points obtained after repeated attempts which showed an overall improvement. Meantime for rhexis completion noted for all participant attempts combined was 2.34±1.41 minutes varying from a maximum of 8 minutes to a minimum 1 minute. Instrument handling was scored excellent in majority attempts, and injured corneal area was 0 - 2 mm in most cases with only case injuring 5.3 mm of cornea.
Conclusions
EyeSi simulator was found to have the ability to assess the scoring rate of participants engaging in different steps of cataract surgery. The most important benefit of using such simulation is that one can practice multiple times on this machine without putting any patient at risk. The high cost of acquiring an EyeSi simulator might be a difficult proposition in a low-income country. Considering its availability, the use of a simulator before hands-on human eyes not only improves clinical skills but also corroborates patient safety.