Impact of myopia management university-based learning on self-reported clinical practice.

Abstract

Clinical relevance: Myopia management interventions are available across the UK but uptake by eye care practitioners (ECPs) is variable. Research is yet to explore the effectiveness of postgraduate training on clinical practice as perceived by ECPs.

Background: This research explores the impact of university-based learning on clinical practice and barriers to practising myopia management in a cohort of ECPs.

Methods: A survey in REDCap (https://www.project-redcap.org/) was completed by ECPs who had undertaken the Myopia Management Module at Glasgow Caledonian University (Module detail | Glasgow Caledonian University | Scotland, UK) between 2022-2023 (n = 48) and 2023-2024 (n = 43). Questions followed a Likert (1-5) scale or binary (yes/no) with free text options.

Results: The response rate was 36% (33/91). The primary barrier to practising myopia management before university-based learning was insufficient knowledge (79%) and confidence (67%) despite the majority having undertaken prior training (73%). Following university-based learning, there was a decrease in those not dispensing intervention (30% vs 9%, p = 0.00) and an increase in those measuring axial length (21% vs 52%, p = 0.002). Other aspects of clinical practice which significantly changed were evaluated; these included the frequency that advice was given to pre-myopes (p = 0.00) and progressing myopes (p = 0.00), the frequency that the risk of progression (p = 0.00), and that the success of the intervention (p = 0.02). There was a change to eyecare for a total of 528 paediatric eye appointments/year per ECP educated. Workplace satisfaction increased (54%) and risk of complaints decreased (87%). After university-based learning, the most common barrier to practising myopia management was the lack of a biometer (48%) due to affordability.

Conclusions: University-based learning can significantly change clinical practice, increase the dispensing of interventions, increase workplace satisfaction, and decrease perceived risk of patient complaints as perceived by ECPs. After completion, the most common barrier was the lack of a biometer. Employers should consider investing in university-based learning to improve ECP engagement with myopia management.