Volume 129, Issue 8 pp. 1891-1897

Otology/Neurotology

Diagnostic accuracy and confidence for otoscopy: Are medical students receiving sufficient training?

Weston L. Niermeyer BS,

Weston L. Niermeyer BS

The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio

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Ramez H. W. Philips MD,

Ramez H. W. Philips MD

The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio

The current affiliation for is the Department of Otolaryngology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

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Garth F. Essig Jr., MD,

Garth F. Essig Jr., MD

Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.

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Aaron C. Moberly MD,

Corresponding Author

Aaron C. Moberly MD

[email protected]

Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.

Send correspondence to Aaron C. Moberly, MD, Department of Otolaryngology, 915 Olentangy River Road, Suite 4000, Columbus, OH 43212. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author

Weston L. Niermeyer BS,

Weston L. Niermeyer BS

The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio

Search for more papers by this author

Ramez H. W. Philips MD,

Ramez H. W. Philips MD

The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio

The current affiliation for is the Department of Otolaryngology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Search for more papers by this author

Garth F. Essig Jr., MD,

Garth F. Essig Jr., MD

Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.

Search for more papers by this author

Aaron C. Moberly MD,

Corresponding Author

Aaron C. Moberly MD

[email protected]

Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.

Send correspondence to Aaron C. Moberly, MD, Department of Otolaryngology, 915 Olentangy River Road, Suite 4000, Columbus, OH 43212. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author

First published: 17 October 2018

https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.27550

Citations: 27

The collection of otoscopic images used in this study was funded by The Ohio State University College of Medicine Office of Research Bridge Funding Program.

The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.

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Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess the confidence and abilities of medical students to diagnose specific types of otologic pathology, and to determine how different training experiences in medical school impact these outcomes.

Study Design

Survey analysis.

Methods

Sixty third- and fourth-year medical students completed a computerized online survey. Participants answered questions about their otoscopic training experience and confidence, and provided diagnoses for 72 digital images taken with a high-definition video otoscope that showed common otologic pathologies of the tympanic membrane and middle ear space.

Results

Most participants (65%) had received less exposure to otoscopic training in medical school than they expected. Confidence in diagnostic ability was low. For diagnostic ability, the mean percent correct across pathologies was 54% ± 7.7%. Medical school year (P = .006), intended specialty (P = .022), and total number of otolaryngology rotations (P = .048) were predictive of diagnostic accuracy on univariable logistic regression analyses, but medical school year (P = .039) was the only significant independent predictor in multivariable analysis. Intended specialty (P = .047) and total number of otolaryngology rotations (P = .035) were predictive of prequiz diagnostic confidence on univariable logistic regression analyses.

Conclusions

Medical students were not satisfied with their exposure to otoscopic training. Intended specialty, total number of otolaryngology rotations, and year in medical school predicted diagnostic accuracy. Intended specialty and total number of otolaryngology rotations predicted diagnostic confidence. Additional studies are needed to investigate how training experiences can be improved to optimize otoscopy training during medical school.

Level of Evidence

Laryngoscope, 129:1891–1897, 2019

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Citing Literature

Volume129, Issue8

August 2019

Pages 1891-1897

Diagnostic accuracy and confidence for otoscopy: Are medical students receiving sufficient training?

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis

Study Design

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Citing Literature

References

Information

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Diagnostic accuracy and confidence for otoscopy: Are medical students receiving sufficient training?

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis

Study Design

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Citing Literature

References

Related

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