Department of Ophthalmology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore.
Clin Teach. 2021 Jun;18(3):258-263. doi: 10.1111/tct.13310. Epub 2020 Dec 15.
Torch-light Eye Screening Test (TEST) is a simple eye screening technique designed for use by opticians to look for common anterior segment eye conditions. The TEACHES-Learning Electronic Module (TEACHES-LEM) is an e-learning platform that was developed to teach opticians to perform TEST. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of TEACHES-LEM with face-to-face training (F2FT) in the training and assessment of knowledge among opticians.
Participants were randomly assigned in this experimental study to receive either the intervention group ((TEACHES-LEM, n = 60) or the control group (F2FT, n = 57). The conceptual knowledge of TEST was assessed with a 20-item clinical scenario-based multiple choice question (MCQ) test before and after teaching (immediately post-teaching and 1-month post-teaching). The MCQ test was developed by three ophthalmologists to give face validity.
The pre-teaching test scores (TS), indicating prior knowledge, were comparable in both groups (10.02 ± 2.79 versus 10.40 ± 4.17, p = 0.563, independent t test). The mean immediate post teaching score for TEACHES-LEM was 13.3 ± 4.01 versus 12.3 ± 3.29 in the F2FT group (p = 0.170, independent t test). The mean post 1-month teaching score for TEACHES-LEM and F2FT groups were also comparable, 14.5 ± 4.19 versus 13.4 ± 3.90 respectively (p = 0.295, independent t test), indicating non-inferiority of TEACHES to F2FT.
The TEACHES-LEM e-learning tool is as effective as F2FT in teaching opticians to perform TEST. It is an alternative to face-to-face teaching in delivering knowledge and assessment. The obviation for physical contact will make it a useful teaching tool during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
火炬光眼部筛查测试（TEST）是一种专为验光师设计的简单眼部筛查技术，用于检查常见的眼前段眼部疾病。TEACHES-学习电子模块（TEACHES-LEM）是一个电子学习平台，旨在教授验光师进行 TEST。本研究的目的是比较 TEACHES-LEM 与面对面培训（F2FT）在培训和评估验光师知识方面的效果。
本实验研究采用随机分组方法，将参与者分为干预组（TEACHES-LEM，n=60）和对照组（F2FT，n=57）。在教学前后（教学后即刻和 1 个月后），采用 20 项基于临床情景的多项选择题（MCQ）测试评估 TEST 的概念知识。该 MCQ 测试由三位眼科医生开发，以保证表面效度。
两组的教学前测试分数（TS），即先验知识，相当（10.02±2.79 与 10.40±4.17，p=0.563，独立 t 检验）。TEACHES-LEM 的即时教学后平均测试分数为 13.3±4.01，而 F2FT 组为 12.3±3.29（p=0.170，独立 t 检验）。TEACHES-LEM 和 F2FT 组的 1 个月后教学后的平均测试分数也相当，分别为 14.5±4.19 和 13.4±3.90（p=0.295，独立 t 检验），表明 TEACHES-LEM 不劣于 F2FT。
TEACHES-LEM 电子学习工具在教授验光师进行 TEST 方面与 F2FT 一样有效。它是提供知识和评估的面对面教学的替代方法。在 COVID-19 大流行期间，避免身体接触将使其成为一种有用的教学工具。
