Increased competency of dietitian nutritionists’ physical examination skill after a simulation-based education in the United States

Purpose: This study aimed to translate simulation-based dietitian nutritionist education to clinical competency attainment in a group of practicing Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). Using a standardized instrument to measure performance on the newly-required clinical skill, Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE), competence was measured both before and after a simulation-based education (SBE) session. Methods: Total 18 practicing RDNs were recruited by their employer Spectrum Health system. Following a pre-brief session, participants completed an initial 10-minute encounter, performing NFPE on a standardized patient (SP). Next, participants completed a 90-minute SBE training session on skills within NFPE, including hands-on practice and role play, followed by a post-training SP encounter. Video recordings of the SP encounters were scored to assess competence on seven skill areas within the NFPE. Scores were for initial competence and change in competence.. Results: Initial competence rates ranged from 0- 44% of participants across the seven skills assessed. The only competency where participants scored in the “meets expectations” range initially was “approach to the patient(. When raw competence scores were assessed for change from pre- to post-SBE training, a paired t-test indicated significant increased in all seven competency areas following the simulation-based training (P< .001). Conclusion: This study showed the effectiveness of a SBE training for increased competence scores of practicing dietitian nutritionist on a defined clinical skill.

LO81: Bridging the GAP: A deliberate practice method for learning Genital Abnormalities in Prepubescent girls

Introduction: Correctly identifying pathology in pre-pubertal females is a high-stakes physical examination skill. Currently, learning this skill relies heavily on case-by-case exposure, which is variable, limited and often results in suboptimal skill. Thus, there is a need to develop and evaluate learning platforms that simulate the presentation and diagnosis of this important clinical task. We developed an on-line learning and assessment platform that allowed the deliberate practice of 158 pre-pubertal female genital image interpretations . We examined the quantity of skill acquisition by deriving performance metrics and learning curves. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study administered via an on-line learning and assessment platform. Colposcopic images were acquired from a child abuse clinic. Two child abuse experts interpreted images to determine case solutions and 40% of cases had medical or traumatic pathology. Further, to validate image interpretations, a unique set of five child abuse and pediatric gynaecology experts reviewed the cases. Study participants were recruited from the USA and Canada and were required to complete all 158 cases. For each image, learners designated cases as normal or abnormal and if abnormal indicated the abnormal area on the image. The primary outcome was the change in accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. Results: We enrolled 107 participants, 26 medical students, 31 pediatric residents, 24 pediatric emergency fellows, and 26 pediatric emergency attendings. For all participants, the change in accuracy was +9.6% for accuracy (<0.001), +1.4% for sensitivity (p=0.6) and +15.7% (p<0.001) for specificity. The final score for accuracy, sensitivity and specificity was 79.5%, 66.1%, and 87.8%, respectively. There was no difference between learner types with respect to summary performance metrics (accuracy, p=0.15; sensitivity, p=0.44; specificity, p=0.54). Learning curves show maximal learning gains (inflection point) up until 100 cases. Conclusion: Deliberate practice of pre-pubertal female image interpretation was effective for ensuring predictable skill improvement for normal cases but was less effective for abnormal cases. Future research could examine how to refine the education tool to better serve diagnostic skill of abnormal cases.

Understanding the Extraocular Muscles and Oculomotor, Trochlear, and Abducens Nerves Through a Simulation in Physical Examination Training: An Innovative Approach*

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an innovative exhibitory eye model simulation in a physical examination laboratory format on explaining Listing's Law concerning the individual extraocular muscle action and the rationale for cranial nerve testing. Methods: Participants were 71 volunteers in the third quarter of a chiropractic training program. The study involved a specially designed eyeball model used to explain the movements of individual extraocular muscles based on Listing's law and their cranial innervations in conjunction with the physical examination. Pre- and post-written tests were used to assess participants' understanding of the subjects taught. The test results were compared with those of nonparticipants who also took the same pre- and posttests. Results: An independent samples t-test of the posttest showed a significant difference between the groups. The study group students achieved higher scores than their counterparts in the control group. Conclusion: Using an innovative approach to explain Listing's law and rationale for cranial nerve tests can improve physical examination skill and help produce more effective written test results.