Content validity evidence for a simulation-based test of handheld otoscopy skills

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Josefine Hastrup von Buchwald
  • Martin Frendø
  • Mads J. Guldager
  • Melchiors, Jacob
  • Steven Arild Wuyts Andersen

Purpose: At graduation from medical school, competency in otoscopy is often insufficient. Simulation-based training can be used to improve technical skills, but the suitability of the training model and assessment must be supported by validity evidence. The purpose of this study was to collect content validity evidence for a simulation-based test of handheld otoscopy skills. Methods: First, a three-round Delphi study was conducted with a panel of nine clinical teachers in otorhinolaryngology (ORL) to determine the content requirements in our educational context. Next, the authenticity of relevant cases in a commercially available technology-enhanced simulator (Earsi, VR Magic, Germany) was evaluated by specialists in ORL. Finally, an integrated course was developed for the simulator based on these results. Results: The Delphi study resulted in nine essential diagnoses of normal variations and pathologies that all junior doctors should be able to diagnose with a handheld otoscope. Twelve out of 15 tested simulator cases were correctly recognized by at least one ORL specialist. Fifteen cases from the simulator case library matched the essential diagnoses determined by the Delphi study and were integrated into the course. Conclusion: Content validity evidence for a simulation-based test of handheld otoscopy skills was collected. This informed a simulation-based course that can be used for undergraduate training. The course needs to be further investigated in relation to other aspects of validity and for future self-directed training.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
Volume278
Issue number7
Pages (from-to)2313-2320
Number of pages8
ISSN0937-4477
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2021

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The educational quality development fund at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, and the Toyota-Foundation, Denmark, provided funding for the study group to acquire the two Earsi simulators used in the study. SA has received research funding for an international postdoc from the Independent Research Fund Denmark (8026-00003B). The remaining authors have no other sources of funding or support to declare. Funding bodies were not involved in the conception, execution, interpretation, or publication of the study.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

    Research areas

  • Evidence-based medical education, Handheld otoscopy, Otology, Simulation-based training, Technical skills training

ID: 284297977