“Edutainment” videos for teaching pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus to medical students and residents: a pilot study

Purpose: To determine whether videos designed to be educational and entertaining (“edutainment”) may enhance trainees’ clinical knowledge and interest in the field of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus (PO&S). Methods: Medical students and residents from six US academic institutions watched edutainment videos related to PO&S within one week of starting their ophthalmology exposure. Questionnaires were administered to each participant before and after watching the videos to assess knowledge and experience with the videos. Results: A total of 52 participants completed both the pre- and post-video questionnaires, of whom 44 (85%) were medical students; 8 (15%) were residents. For medical student respondents, the mean pre-video test score was 44.2% ± 12.3%; post-video, 74.1% ± 14.1%. For resident respondents, the mean pre-video test score was 75.8% ± 9.4%; post-video, 95.8% ± 5.0. All 52 respondents felt the videos enhanced their understanding of strabismus; 46 (89%) felt the videos helped them feel more comfortable with examining pediatric patients in ophthalmology clinic. Most respondents (45/52 [87%]) indicated that they were likely or very likely to review study material presented in video form compared to material presented in other formats, such as book chapters, journal articles, and lectures. Overall, 30 of 52 (58%) were more interested in the field of PO&S after watching the videos. Conclusions: Edutainment videos are an effective adjunct to traditional modes of teaching with the potential to enhance trainees’ knowledge, confidence, and interest in the field of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.