Purpose:
To evaluate the efficacy and resident satisfaction of video podcasting as a supplement to traditional ophthalmology resident education.
Methods:
This project was a pilot study in podcast-enhanced medical teaching. Beginning in 2007-2008, 10 hours of the NYU Ophthalmology traditional lecture series on applied optics was replaced by didactic video podcasts. These lectures were previously exclusively delivered to the PGY-2 residents as part of an introductory basic science curriculum as live lectures. Beginning with the PGY-2 class of the 2007-2008 academic year, these podcasts were assigned as part of the basic science curriculum. Each PGY-2 class from that point forward also retained access to these podcasts throughout their residency training. Scores in the optics section of the Ophthalmology Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP) exam from 5 annual exams (2006-2010) were analyzed to assess differences in performance between the residents who were provided the podcasts and those who only received the traditional lecture series. In addition, the residents who utilized the podcasts were polled as to their perceived satisfaction with the educational experience.
Results:
Mean percentile rank in the optics section of the OKAP exam was higher for the PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents who were provided the podcasts (p>0.05). The PGY-4 residents showed no difference in performance. Each resident polled (n=12) stated that the podcasts improved his/her understanding of optics and preparedness for the OKAP exam.
Conclusions:
The use of video podcasts as a supplement to traditional ophthalmology resident education was associated with trend towards improved standardized test scores in optics. The podcasts can be used repeatedly and in conjunction with the individual schedule and learning style of each resident. They also reduce classroom time in addition to providing a high level of resident satisfaction.
Keywords: learning • spectacle lens