Background
Otoscopy is an important clinical skill to master in the undergraduate medical curriculum. This study investigated the effect of a new web-based learning platform in improving diagnostic ability and confidence in otoscopy among final year medical undergraduates in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC).
Methods
A new web-based learning platform for otoscopy was introduced to final year medical undergraduates who have completed a three-week posting in otorhinolaryngology. A total of 45 subjects who participated in the learning platform were included in this prospective interventional study. All of them answered questionnaires on level of confidence (LC) and completed online questions on diagnostic ability (DA) at three different timelines during the study: prior to intervention (T1), after intervention (T2) and 4 months following the intervention (T3).
Results
LC scores were significantly higher in between T1 and other timelines measured: T1 vs T2 and T1 vs T3 respectively (p < 0.05). DA scores were significantly higher in between T1 and other timelines measured: T1 vs T2 and T1 vs T3 respectively (p < 0.05). LC and DA scores continued to improve at T3 with scores significantly higher when compared with scores at T2 (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Subjects’ level of confidence in performing otoscopy and diagnostic ability showed sustained improvements at 4 months with this intervention. We conclude that otoscopy web based learning platform complements the teaching and learning of otoscopy among final year medical undergraduates.