Certification process in capturing retinographies in Castilla y Leon diabetic retinopathy screening program

Abstract

Aims/Purpose: Certification processes are critical for tele‐ophthalmology and Reading Centers. In the diabetic retinopathy Castilla y Leon screening program capture is performed by nurses accredited in the three‐field protocol of the Joslin Vision Network (JVN). The purpose of this work was to evaluate the certification process including the times, difficulties and satisfaction degree.Methods: Type II diabetics attend their primary care centre. Retinographies of both eyes under pharmacological mydriasis are acquired by nurses after inform consent. Images are sent, interpreted and categorized to the IOBA's Reading Center (University of Valladolid). Training consisted of an on‐site lecture, on‐line theory course (University patented) and on‐site practices. Trainees uploaded retinographies from 10 real patients to an online platform for evaluation. Certification required at least 5 correctly performed. The time and intents required to obtain the certification were analysed.Results: 23 trainees from to 5 health areas were included. None of them had ever used a retinograph before. All of them successfully completed the program. The 21.74% of the trainees obtained their certification with the first 5 practices and completed the evaluation process in 1 day. 13.04% repeated 1 practice, 34.78% repeated 2, another 13.04% repeated 3 and 7.39% repeated 5. The certification process was completed after 17, 11, 20 and 8 days, respectively. Satisfaction of trainees with the theoretical lessons with a score of 8.67/10 and the practical training with a score of 9/10 was evaluated through an ad‐hoc survey.Conclusions: Retinography capture certification was achieved between 1 and 20 days and the majority (69.52%) by repeating none to two practices. The trainees were highly satisfied with the theoretical and practical content of the course.