Abstract
Purpose :
Laser therapy remains a pivotal adjunctive option for various diseases, playing a crucial role as either a complementary or rescue treatment. However, challenges arise in delivering high-quality laser education amidst declining patient eligibility, increasing lack of experience ophthalmologists and global pandemics. In response, we present a teleguided education concept aimed at addressing these challenges, evaluated in a real-world setting.
Methods :
Our teleguided education concept comprises an online theoretical course covering fundamental laser principles and both focal and peripheral threshold treatments. Utilizing the Navigate app, participants plan sample cases and compare their plans with experts. The subsequent observation phase, conducted remotely, involves observing at least 5 focal and 5 peripheral treatments and simulated treatments on an artificial eye. Following this, residents enter the training phase, creating and conducting treatment plans with Navilas, approved by supervisors under remote supervision, ensuring real-time feedback and emergency intervention capabilities. A graded exam and survey questionnaire gauge the training concept's efficacy.
Results :
The first two residents successfully completed the program without technical complications or unforeseen events. Graded exams yielded scores with an average of 87.5%, with both residents achieving commendable grades. Both residents evaluated the training as of high quality, giving it a median score of 7 [6-8] out of 10. The experienced safety was rated with a median of 6 [5-7] for focal treatments and 5 [5-6] for PRP treatments. The biggest challenge for both residents was adjusting the live image view correctly, and both residents highly appreciated the learning videos as an introductory explanation before starting the treatments. The study concept included distant observation of the first treatments, which was the aspect most criticized during the training concept.
Conclusions :
Our study demonstrates that teleguided education for retinal laser is technically feasible, offering a viable solution for ensuring effective training. Our innovative approach navigates challenges in today's laser training, paving the way for accessible and high-quality laser education with a standardized concept and well-documented procedures to allow easier communication for doctors traveling from one country to another.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.