Eyedrop Instillation Technique by Medical Interns: Assessment and Impact of Video-Assisted Training

Abstract

Abstract Aim: To assess the eyedrop instillation technique by medical interns, and to study the effect of video-assisted training. Methods: This was a hospital based prospective study performed on interns of teaching institute. First, interns were asked to instil the eye drops on volunteers which was video recorded. Interns were then given ‘video-assisted training’ (VAT) of correct technique and again reassessment was performed immediately, after one-week and one-month interval. All the recorded videos were evaluated by a single independent blinded expert and scored according to the scoring system devised by subject experts based on the available literature. The data were entered in Microsoft Office Excel and statistical analysis was performed. Results: The study showed that before training 43.80% had good practice with mean test score of 6.32 ± 1.63. Immediately after video-assisted training, there was significant improvement in technique of instilling eye drop with mean test score of 9.01 ± 0.62 (P < 0.0001), after one week, the mean test score was 9.52 ± 0.71 (P < 0.0001), and after one-month, mean test score was 9.56 ± 0.75 (P < 0.0001). Each step of eyedrop instillation was compared before and after the VAT and the difference was found to be statistically significant (P value < 0.05). Conclusion: In our current study, initially interns had practised incorrect technique of instillation of eyedrop. But after video-assisted training there has been notable improvement in the technique of instilling eyedrop. Periodic VAT might be helpful in ensuring them to follow the correct technique regularly.