Low‐cost fundoscopy simulation for everyone? Evaluation of knowledge gain and student satisfaction with the Kyoto Kagaku model

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of a relatively low‐cost fundoscopy simulator, the Kyoto Kagaku Model, on the subjective learning experience and an objective knowledge gain of medical students at Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany.Methods: Medical students at the Saarland University Medical Center were enrolled in a clinical course about fundoscopic examination and pathologies. The course consisted of a theoretical part, an introduction to the practical basics of ophthalmoscopy with the Kyoto Kagaku fundoscopy simulator, and a clinical practice with dilated pupils on each other (the classical ophthalmoscopy course). They then completed two questionnaires. The first one was about the subjective learning experience and was filled out shortly after the course, the second one about the objective clinical knowledge gain in ophthalmoscopy and was filled out before the start of ophthalmoscopy training and 1 week thereafter.Results: The medical students showed a significant (p < 0.001) gain in knowledge of the fundoscopic examination and pathologies after the course with the Kyoto Kaguka Fundoscopy Simulator. Specific anatomical structures in the fundus were identified significantly (p < 0.001) more often during the simulator training compared to the classical ophthalmoscopy course. 47% of the medical students preferred a simulator‐based course, 23% a classical ophthalmoscopy course and 30% a combination of both.Conclusion: Simulator‐based training is a valuable tool for teaching medical students (and aspiring resident physicians) various skills, including those related to ophthalmology. Hands‐on courses using the Kyoto Kagaku fundoscopy simulator have been successful in increasing medical students' interest in medical simulation and ophthalmology. This model, known for its relatively low cost, is a good immersive tool for teaching the basics of direct and indirect fundoscopic examination and various retinal pathologies. Although there are still challenges to overcome, such as accessibility and cost, the future of simulator‐based training in ophthalmology looks promising.