Tips to optimize digital education in ophthalmology: Results from ESASO survey

on behalf of the e-LOS Study Group

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: To identify audience and faculty preferences to optimize digital education sessions in ophthalmology. Methods: We distributed an online survey to ophthalmology trainees and specialists worldwide. The survey investigated respondents’ preferences on various findings of hypothetical digital educational sessions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact probability and ANOVA tests. Results: The survey was completed by 655 respondents, from 53 different countries. According to most respondents, the optimal duration and timeframe for a valuable digital education session would be 30–60 min, without a break (52%), in the evening time-slot (6-8 p.m.) (45%) of a weekday (Monday-Thursday) (46%), regardless of age (p-value = 0.84, 0.39, 0.89, respectively) and job position (p-value = 0.31, 0.29, 0.08, respectively). The availability of webinars and recorded surgical videos/clinical cases, associated with live discussion, represented the most important opportunity of digital educational channels for 46% and 42% of respondents, respectively. Conclusion: Appropriate planning of timing and structure of digital educational ophthalmology sessions may optimize their effectiveness. Using multiple e-learning formats may be helpful to ensure the continuity of learning activities, also in view of a long-term replacement of traditional in-person education.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)745-753
Number of pages9
JournalEuropean journal of ophthalmology
Volume33
Issue number2
Early online date2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2023

Keywords

  • Digital education
  • learning
  • ophthalmology
  • ophthalmology training
  • professional education
  • survey
  • teaching

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