Longitudinal evaluation of the Ophthalmology residents in Brazil: an observational prospective study

BACKGROUND

The longitudinal evaluation of students seems to be a better way to assess their knowledge compared with that of the traditional methods of evaluation, such as modular and final tests. Currently, progress testing is the most consolidated type of longitudinal testing method. However, despite being well consolidated as an assessment tool in medical education, the use of this type of test in residency programs is scarce.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate residents' knowledge growth regarding residency training and to describe the implementation of a longitudinal evaluation test in ophthalmological residency training across several medical schools in Brazil. Finally, the study aimed to check whether performance in the tests can be used as a predictor of the results of the specialist title test.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This was a prospective observational study. This study was conducted using an online platform.

METHODS

Online tests were developed following the same pattern as the Brazilian Ophthalmology Council specialist tests. All the residents performed the test simultaneously. The tests were conducted once a year at the end of the school year.

RESULTS

A progress test was conducted across 13 services with 259 residents. Our results demonstrated that resident scores improved over the years (P < 0.0001) and had a moderate correlation with the Brazilian Opthalmology Council specialist test (P = 0.0156).

CONCLUSION

The progress test can be considered a valuable tool to assess knowledge, meaning their knowledge increased over residency training. In addition, it can be used as a predictor of the result in the specialist title test.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of self-reported dry eye in Brazil using a short symptom questionnaire

To evaluate dry eye prevalence and investigate associated risk factors in Brazil by applying a short questionnaire of symptoms and risk factors. A cross-sectional study of 3,107 participants from all the five different geopolitical regions of Brazil. Overall prevalence of dry eye in this study population was 12.8%. Dry eye previous diagnosis was reported by 10.2% and presence of severe symptoms in 4.9%. Logistic regression analysis confirmed some significantly risk factors, such as female sex (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.74; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.12–1.93), age ≥60 year-old (OR 2.00; 95%CI: 1.44–2.77), history of ocular surgery (OR 1.84; 95%CI: 1.30–2.60), contact lens wear (OR 1.93; 95%CI: 1.36–2.73), cancer treatment (OR 3.03; 95%CI: 1.36–6.59), computer use >6 hours per day (OR 1.77; 95%CI: 1.36–2.31), antidepressants (OR 1.61; 95%CI: 1.12–2.31) and anti-allergy (OR 2.11; 95%CI: 1.54–2.89) medications. Nevertheless, when stratified by regions, each one had its own significant factors and inherent characteristics. This is the first study about prevalence and risk factors of dry eye in a large population sample from all regions of Brazil. Dry eye is a common condition in the Brazilian population and prevalence rates varies substantially in the different geographic regions of the country, possibly reflecting climate and socioeconomic discrepancies.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1: frequency of ophthalmologic findings

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the frequency of ophthalmologic abnormalities in a cohort of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) patients and to correlate them with motor function. We reviewed the pathophysiology of cataract and low intraocular pressure (IOP). Method Patients were included after clinical and laboratory diagnosis and after signed informed consent. They were evaluated by Motor Function Measure scale, Portuguese version (MFM-P) and ophthalmic protocol. Results We evaluated 42 patients aged 17 to 64 years (mean 40.7 ± 12.5), 22 of which were men. IOP (n = 41) was reduced in all but one. We found cataract or positivity for surgery in 38 (90.48%) and ptosis in 23 (54.76%). These signs but not IOP were significantly correlated with severity of motor dysfunction. Abnormalities in ocular motility and stereopsis were observed. Conclusion Cataract and ptosis are frequent in DM1 and associated to motor dysfunction. Reduced IOP is also common, but appears not to be related with motor impairment.

Visual pathway abnormalities were found in most multiple sclerosis patients despite history of previous optic neuritis

OBJECTIVE

It was to investigate visual field (VF) abnormalities in a group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in the remission phase and the presence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions in the optic radiations.

METHODS

VF was assessed in 60 participants (age range 20-51 years): 35 relapsing-remitting MS patients [20 optic neuritis (+), 15 optic neuritis (-)] and 25 controls. MRI (3-Tesla) was obtained in all patients.

RESULTS

Visual parameters were abnormal in MS patients as compared to controls. The majority of VF defects were diffuse. All patients except one had posterior visual pathways lesions. No significant difference in lesion number, length and distribution was noted between patients with and without history of optic neuritis. One patient presented homonymous hemianopsia.

CONCLUSION

Posterior visual pathway abnormalities were found in most MS patients despite history of previous optic neuritis.

Traumatic avulsion of extraocular muscles: case reports

We described the clinical, surgical details and results (motor and sensory) of the retrieving procedure of traumatically avulsed muscles in three patients with no previous history of strabismus or diplopia seen in the Department of Ophthalmology, State University of Campinas, Brazil. The slipped muscle portion was reinserted at the original insertion and under the remaining stump, which was sutured over the reinserted muscle. For all three cases there was recovery of single binocular vision and stereopsis.

Satisfaction with ophthalmology residency training from the perspective of recent graduates: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Few studies have evaluated satisfaction with medical residency programs from the perspective of residents or recent graduates. Knowledge of current conditions of teaching might help to identify deficiencies and to provide adequate training. So, the aim of this study was to assess the satisfaction with residency training and to identify deficiencies in this training from the perspective of recent graduates in ophthalmology residency.

METHODS

For this purpose, we developed a questionnaire and gaved it to recent graduates in ophthalmology residency in São Paulo, Brazil, from January to December 2010. The questions contained demographic information (age, sex and time of practice in ophthalmology), a Likert scale to evaluate the level of satisfaction with medical residency concerning clinical knowledge, surgical skills and doctor-patient relationship and questions about deficiency in clinical and surgical areas.

RESULTS

The areas in which recent residency graduates were very or extremely satisfied were: acquisition of clinical knowledge (89.1%), acquisition of surgical skills (93.4%) and the development of doctor-patient relationship (74.9%). Specific areas of clinical knowledge in which they perceived more deficiency were orbit (48.3%) and ophthalmic pathology (47.9%), and in surgical skills were refractive surgery (65.9%) and orbit (59.2%)

CONCLUSIONS

The assessment of the satisfaction with residency training in ophthalmology from the perspective of recent graduates showed high level of satisfaction and identified specific deficiencies in ophthalmic pathology, refractive surgery and orbit.

Strabismus surgery learning for Ophthalmology residents of university service

PURPOSE

To verify Ophthalmology resident's and supervisor's perceptions regarding learning and teaching strabismus surgery.

DESIGN

Descriptive Study.

METHODS

SUBJECTS

1(st) and 2(nd) year residents. Each resident studied the standard strabismus surgery technique on a CD-ROM, then performed a rabbit rectus muscle recession and a strabismus surgery on a patient. A structured questionnaire was handed to the residents, and the authors made observations including variables referring to the surgical technique applied, self-evaluation of this technique and if appropriate training was given.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight questionnaires were analysed. All 1(st) year residents (R1) had had some difficulty remembering the surgery sequence and 69.6% of 2(nd) year residents (R2). Concerning the surgical material handling, 93.3% of R1 and 52.2% of R2 had had any difficulty. The residents reported that during the surgery in humans, 50% remembered the experimental stage and that this training completely fulfilled their needs for 47% and partially for other 47%.

CONCLUSION

Experimental surgery, more practice opportunities and resident's supervision may improve the teaching of strabismus surgery.

Histiocitose de células de Langerhans diagnosticada em um paciente de idade avançada

A histiocitose de células de Langerhans é uma doença rara caracterizada proliferação de células de Langerhans. Neste artigo descrevemos um caso de histiocitose de células de Langerhans em um paciente de 63 anos, com uma lesão expansiva periorbital como primeiro sintoma e cuja tomografia computadorizada revelou acometimento pulmonar característico da doença. A condução do caso, os achados radiológicos e os resultados são apresentados.

Tumor de células granulares acometendo a órbita em uma criança

Os autores relatam um raro caso de tumor de células granulares no músculo reto medial de um menino de sete anos de idade. São descritos os achados clínicos, histológicos e radiológicos do caso, bem como uma breve revisão da literatura.

Assistive technology applied to education of students with visual impairment

OBJECTIVES

Verify the application of assistive technology, especially information technology in the education of blind and low-vision students from the perceptions of their teachers.

METHODS

Descriptive survey study in public schools in three municipalities of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The sample comprised 134 teachers.

RESULTS

According to the teachers' opinions, there are differences in the specificities and applicability of assistive technology for blind and low-vision students, for whom specific computer programs are important. Information technology enhances reading and writing skills, as well as communication with the world on an equal basis, thereby improving quality of life and facilitating the learning process. The main reason for not using information technology is the lack of planning courses. The main requirements for the use of information technology in schools are enough computers for all students, advisers to help teachers, and pedagogical support.

CONCLUSIONS

Assistive technology is applied to education of students with visual impairment; however, teachers indicate the need for infrastructure and pedagogical support. Information technology is an important tool in the inclusion process and can promote independence and autonomy of students with visual impairment.

Anterior transposition compared to graded recession of the inferior oblique muscle for V-pattern strabismus

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of anterior transposition (AT) and graded recession (GR) in the treatment of V- pattern strabismus caused by overaction of the inferior oblique muscle.

METHODS

The charts of surgically treated cases of V-pattern strabismus were analyzed retrospectively and the patients classified as AT or GR. Age, initial horizontal deviation, initial V-pattern and the amount of V-pattern correction were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in age (p = 0.066), initial horizontal deviation (p = 0.59), initial V-pattern (p = 0.15) or the amount of V-pattern correction (p = 0.78) between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

AT is at least as effective as GR in the treatment of V-pattern strabismus caused by overaction of the inferior oblique muscle.

Results of monocular surgery under peribulbar anesthesia for large-angle horizontal strabismus

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of monocular surgery under peribulbar anesthesia for large-angle horizontal strabismus.

INTRODUCTION

Monocular surgery may preserve some muscles if a repeat operation is required, may help to avoid the exposure of the dominant eye to the inherent risks of a surgical procedure and may reduce surgical time.

METHODS

We evaluated ninety-two consecutive patients who underwent monocular surgery under peribulbar anesthesia for large-angle horizontal strabismus (angle of 40 prism diopters or greater). Patients were divided into group 1- esotropia and group 2 -exotropia. The postoperative follow-up was at 6 months, when the residual deviation was evaluated. In cases of residual deviations of over 15 PD (prism diopter), a second procedure was indicated.

RESULTS

In all patients with preoperative deviations up to 60 PD, residual deviations were under 15 PD. Some patients with preoperative deviations of 65 PD (two in group 1 and four in group 2) and all patients with deviations over 65 PD had residual deviations over 15 PD. The 13 patients who underwent a second procedure experienced successful outcomes. Our ROC curve analysis showed that the cutoff point for obtaining a successful surgical result was 62.5 PD. No patient presented with a major limitation in respect of ocular movement.

CONCLUSIONS

Monocular surgery under peribulbar anesthesia can be an alternative for horizontal large-angle strabismus given deviations of up to 60 PD. Monocular surgery did not result in successful outcomes for deviations of over 65 PD.

Use of optical aids by visually impaired students: social and cultural factors

PURPOSE

To identify conceptions, social and cultural factors regarding the use of optical aids by visually impaired students and to present information to health and educational professionals.

METHODS

Qualitative research using spontaneous theater (interactive theater modality based on improvisation) as research instrument. To analyze data, an adapted form of the collective subject discourse technique - procedures for organization of verbal data - was applied. Scenes, gestures, expressions, silences and behaviors were added to the original proposal. The study population included all visually impaired students from elementary public schools, aged 10 to 14 years who attended a resource room in a São Paulo state city. The students were examined at a university low vision service.

RESULTS

Little knowledge about the impairment and difficult adaptation to use of optical aids were identified. The students' behavior showed denial of own problems, discomfort on public use of aids and lack of participation in own health decisions.

CONCLUSION

Analysis through spontaneous theater session allows the professional to gather information which is not possible to acquire in the health assistance atmosphere. Needs, difficulties and barriers the users found before the prescribed treatment were identified.

Causes of low vision and use of optical aids in the elderly

PURPOSE

To determine the causes of low vision in an elderly population attended by a university visual rehabilitation service and to check for the use of prescribed optical aids.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was carried out on patients aged 60 years or over attending for the first time a university low vision service in 2001. Ophthalmic reevaluation and interview were performed by means of a structured questionnaire in 2002.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 50 subjects aged between 60 and 90 years. Severe low vision (< or =20/200) was present in 68.0% of patients. The main cause of low vision was age-related macular degeneration (44.0%). Regarding literacy, 16.0% were illiterate and 72.0% had completed fundamental schooling. Thirty-one patients (62.0%) had been prescribed optical aids; 54.8% of these patients stated that they use them. A majority (70.6%) held a favorable opinion of these aids.

CONCLUSIONS

The main cause of low vision was age-related macular degeneration. Approximately half of those receiving prescriptions reported actually using the aids in their daily activities. Making best use of residual vision in the elderly population with visual impairment is a priority, given the social context, if the independence necessary for enhanced quality of life is to be achieved.