Does postoperative self-debriefing affect the learning curve of residents' cataract surgery?

Session Details

Session Title: Ocular Pathology/Education & Training

Session Date/Time: Tuesday 17/09/2019 | 14:00-16:00

Paper Time: 15:30

Venue: Free Paper Forum: Podium 4

First Author: : I.Bahar ISRAEL

Co Author(s): :    Y. Yassur   G. Adler                          

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of postoperative self-debriefing on actual cataract surgery performance among residents.

Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.

Methods:

This prospective randomized study included 14 residents who were divided into two groups with similar levels of experience. A new training model based on postoperative self-debriefing was implemented on the study group, whereas the control group continued customary cataract training. All residents evaluated their own surgical skills using the International Council of Ophthalmology’s Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubrics (ICO-OSCAR) after every cataract surgery performed. At the end of the study the learning curve of each resident was analysed and compared between the groups. All residents completed a process questionnaire before the beginning of the project and at 12 months.

Results:

At 12 months, 262 cataract surgeries were completed by the 14 residents (133 debriefing group, 129 control). No statistically significant difference between the learning curves of the two groups was noted. Multivariate analysis showed a correlation between number of procedures, seniority and better performance (average score). A 10% increase in resident enjoyment from challenging tasks, 15% increase in accountability over work mistakes and 20% increase in residents’ ability to speak freely with superiors was documented.

Conclusions:

Postoperative self-debriefing affects the corporate culture of the department and enhances the quality of training for residents. Longer follow-up and a larger group is needed to further investigate its effect on learning curves.

Financial Disclosure:

None