A Novel Simulation Model Significantly Improves Confidence in Canthotomy and Cantholysis Among Ophthalmology and Emergency Medicine Trainees.
Authors: Caroline Wilde, Sara Memon, Laura Ah-Kye, Alice Milligan, Marcus Pederson, Hannah Timlin
Journal: Journal of Emergency Medicine
Publication Date: June 8, 2023
Conclusions:
- The simulation model introduced in this study is economical, straightforward to set up, and accurately represents the anatomy.
- Trainees can effectively differentiate between canthotomy and cantholysis by 'strumming' the inferior canthal tendon without actually cutting the lower eyelid.
- The model considerably elevated the confidence levels of trainees in executing the procedure.
- Given the evident benefits, the implementation of this model should be seriously considered for those training in both ophthalmology and emergency medicine.
Methods:
- A simulation model was devised using materials readily available in the emergency department.
- To evaluate the model's effectiveness, the researchers utilized pre- and post-instruction surveys to gauge the trainees' self-assessed confidence levels.
Results:
- Out of the 65 participants (47 from emergency medicine and 18 from ophthalmology), 42% (n = 27) reported feeling 'quite confident' (rated 4 on a 5-point Likert scale) in conducting the procedure without supervision during off-hours post-training. This is in contrast to only 9.23% (n = 6) who felt the same before the training (p < 0.01).
- The model led to substantial improvements in confidence in three key areas: diagnosing orbital compartment syndrome, identifying the required tools, and performing canthotomy and cantholysis.
- The simulation's helpfulness in comprehending the anatomy of the concerned region received an average rating of 4.35 (on a scale where 1 denotes 'not at all helpful' and 5 stands for 'extremely helpful').
- Two-thirds (66% or n = 43) of the participants expressed a desire for more simulation-based training.
Wilde, C., Memon, S., Ah-Kye, L., Milligan, A., Pederson, M. and Timlin, H., 2023. A novel simulation model significantly improves confidence in canthotomy and cantholysis amongst ophthalmology and emergency medicine trainees. The Journal of Emergency Medicine.