Undergraduate audiology students’ perceived competence and confidence in conducting otoscopic examination following video otoscopic training

BACKGROUND: Emerging research indicates that video otoscopy can be used as a teaching tool to enhance students' ability to identify outer and middle ear pathologies. However, there is little research on the perceptions of audiology students regarding their competence and confidence following video otoscopic training, and how they view the use of video otoscopy as a teaching tool. Therefore, this study aimed to determine undergraduate (UG) audiology students' perceived competence and confidence in conducting otoscopy following training by video otoscopic examination. METHODS: A survey methodology with a cross sectional design was employed. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to all third and fourth year (senior) (N = 79) UG audiology students using Survey Monkey. Ethical approval and permission from relevant stakeholders were obtained. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: 60 % of the students felt competent in performing otoscopy, while 63.3 % felt less competent in interpreting otoscopic examination findings. 43.3 % felt they can confidently and competently identify outer ear pathologies. There was no association between the number of video otoscopic examinations performed and perceived competence or/and confidence. There was also no statistically significant relationship between year of study (e.g., third year versus fourth year) and perceived competence or/and confident (p = 0.7131). Almost all (97 %) students felt that video otoscopic training should continue to be part of the clinical training as it helped them enhance their skills in performing otoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Current findings highlight the need to improve students' practical training, incorporating pathologic ears into the curriculum. These findings also highlight the importance of supplementing practical training methodologies with changing technological advancements, particularly where tele-audiology opportunities may exist.