As a practitioner, continuous improvement of your skills is paramount to providing the best care for your students. A recent study titled Undergraduate audiology students perceived competence and confidence in conducting otoscopic examination following video otoscopic training offers valuable insights into enhancing your otoscopic examination skills.
The study, conducted at the University of the Witwatersrand, aimed to explore the perceived competence and confidence of undergraduate audiology students in conducting otoscopic examinations after undergoing video otoscopic training. The findings revealed that while a significant number of students felt competent in performing otoscopy, many felt less confident in interpreting the findings. This underscores the importance of integrating video otoscopic training into your practice to enhance both your skills and confidence.
Key Takeaways from the Study
- 60% of students felt competent in performing otoscopy.
- 63.3% felt less competent in interpreting otoscopic examination findings.
- 43.3% felt they could confidently and competently identify outer ear pathologies.
- 97% of students believed that video otoscopic training should continue to be part of clinical training.
Practical Implications for Practitioners
Incorporating video otoscopic training into your practice can significantly improve your competence and confidence in conducting otoscopic examinations. Here are some practical steps to consider:
- Integrate Video Otoscopy into Training: Use video otoscopy as a regular part of your training regimen. This technology allows for clear visualization of the tympanic membrane, making it easier to identify pathologies.
- Supplement with Pathologic Cases: Include cases with various middle ear pathologies in your training to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
- Leverage Tele-Audiology: Utilize tele-audiology tools and mobile applications to enhance your training and practice, especially in resource-limited settings.
- Seek Continuous Improvement: Regularly attend conferences, webinars, and workshops to stay updated with the latest advancements in audiology training and technology.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research to determine if students' perceived competence correlates with actual improvement in their otoscopic skills. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in or support research efforts that explore the efficacy of various training methodologies.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Undergraduate audiology students perceived competence and confidence in conducting otoscopic examination following video otoscopic training.
