Evaluation of an otoscopy simulator to teach otoscopy and normative anatomy to first year medical students.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Our study evaluates the effectiveness of the OtoSim as an educational tool for teaching otoscopy and normal middle ear anatomy to first-year medical students.

STUDY

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey design.

METHODS

A large group otoscopy simulator teaching session was held in January 2014 for 29 first-year medical students at the University of Toronto. Following the training session, survey questions were administered to assess the student experience.

RESULTS

A total of 29 students completed the survey. All respondents rated the overall quality of the event as very good or excellent. Ninety-three percent of respondents indicated that the simulator increased their confidence in otoscopy. Students also commented that they were able to learn normal middle ear anatomy without causing discomfort to patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of otoscopy simulation is a novel addition to traditional learning methods for undergraduate medical students. Students can effectively learn normal external and middle ear anatomy and improve their confidence in performing otoscopy examination.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.