SHBC1139

C.C. YIP¹, J.V.MERRIENBOER², C.TAN³, Z.X.THNG⁴, J. TAN⁴, D.SAMARASEKERA⁵

Khoo Teck Puat Hospital¹, Maastricht University², National University Hospital³, Tan Tock Seng Hospital⁴, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore⁵

The quality of Face-to-Face-Teaching (F2FT) for eye examination skill training may be sub-optimal amidst busy clinics as it demands faculty time for teaching and feedback. The SCOPE module, combining two established clinical skill teaching methods (Flipped Classroom and Mental Rehearsal), may address these practical problems. SCOPE may optimise learning by fulfilling all elements of the “Deliberate Practice Theory”: well-defined task (doing eye examination), repetitive practice and detailed feedback.

This quasi-experimental study compared the efficacy and Faculty Contact Time of SCOPE against F2FT in teaching three clinical skills (visual field, ocular-motility and pupil examinations) to fourth-year medical undergraduates. The SCOPE group (n=95) learned the skills independently through e-learning and Mental Rehearsal, followed by faculty teaching with skill practice and knowledge elaboration. The F2FT group (n=51) learned the same content similarly but without e-learning and mental rehearsal.

Both groups were comparable in Pre-test MCQ Scores (p=.943, independent t-test). On cognitive assessments, the SCOPE group had greater improvement in Post-test MCQ Scores (p<.001, repeated measures ANCOVA, adjusted for the covariate, “training centre”), and higher End-of-posting Test Scores (p=.048, independent t-test). On three psychomotor assessments, the SCOPE group had superior Mini-CEX Performances (all p<.001, Mann-Whitney U test). SCOPE also shortened the Faculty Contact Time, saving 57.48±25.60 minutes (p<.001, independent t-test).

SCOPE’s positive results may be attributable to the educational effects of its sequentially spaced learning components. Combining Flipped Classroom and Mental Rehearsal may facilitate clinical skill training through deliberate practice.

SCOPE is more efficacious and faculty time-efficient than F2FT in teaching eye examination skills.