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A randomised trial to assess the educational benefit of a smartphone otoscope in undergraduate medical training

  • Otology
  • Published:
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Competent otoscopy is a key otolaryngology skill for a broad range of medical careers, yet undergraduate’s confidence to perform otoscopy is reported as low. Smartphone otoscopes have been suggested to improve undergraduates learning of normal eardrum anatomy because unlike the traditional otoscope, the learner and educator share the same image. This study aimed to evaluate whether a smartphone otoscope could enhance medical undergraduates recognition of common ear pathology.

Methods

52 medical students were randomised into a standard group that used a traditional otoscope and an intervention group that used a smartphone otoscope. Both groups received a short didactic presentation on the recognition of common ear pathologies and were asked to diagnose four simulated pathologies. Both groups received feedback and guidance on how to better visualise the tympanic membrane. Force response items and 5-point Likert scales loaded on an electronic platform recorded their diagnosis and their perceptions towards the otoscope.

Results

The smartphone-group (n = 20) had higher overall rates of correct diagnosis compared to control (n = 22) (84% vs. 39%, p = < 0.001). Only the grommet station did not show a significant improvement between the two groups (100% vs. 91%, p = 0.49). 90% (n = 20) of participants felt the smartphone otoscope was preferential for their learning. The same number expressed that they want to use it in future learning. The remainder were indifferent.

Conclusions

The smartphone otoscope enabled learners to better observe and recognise middle ear pathology. This popular learning tool has the potential to accelerate the learning curve of otoscopy and therefore improve the proficiency of future doctors at recognising middle ear diseases.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Mr Krishan Ramdoo of Tympahealth for donating the TympaSystems that were used in this study.

Funding

No funding was received for this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Head and Neck surgery, St George’s University Hospitals Foundation Trust, London, UK

    James R. Schuster-Bruce, Asha Ali, Enyinnaya Ofo & Eamon Shamil

  2. St George’s University, London, UK

    Minh Van

  3. Blackett Laboratory, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, UK

    Jesus Rogel-Salazar

Authors
  1. James R. Schuster-Bruce
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  2. Asha Ali
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  3. Minh Van
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  4. Jesus Rogel-Salazar
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  5. Enyinnaya Ofo
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  6. Eamon Shamil
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to James R. Schuster-Bruce.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

JSB had previously received monies from TYMPAhealth in remuneration for the organisation and delivery of a user training session. He does not own any shares and does not have any ongoing financial relationship. JRS works at TYMPA with a share option at the discretion of the companies’ board. JRS performed the statistical tests but did not have a role in the design, execution, or interpretation of the data. All other authors have no conflicts of interest in connection with this article or affiliation with TympaHealth, and have not received any financial remuneration or incentives. TympaHealth were not involved in the design or manuscript, except for statistical analysis, which was corroborated by remaining authors for accuracy. Data and statistical analysis were available.

Ethical approval

St George’s University ethics board granted ethical approval for the intervention. Written consent was sought from students prior to participation.

Location of study

St Georges University of London.

Availability of data and materials

Data can be made available on request.

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Schuster-Bruce, J.R., Ali, A., Van, M. et al. A randomised trial to assess the educational benefit of a smartphone otoscope in undergraduate medical training. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 278, 1799–1804 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-020-06373-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-020-06373-1

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