We evaluated a web-based training aimed at improving the review of fundus photography by emergency providers. 587 patients were included, 12.6% with relevant abnormalities. Emergency providers spent 31 minutes (median) training and evaluated 359 patients. Median post-test score improvement was 6 percentage points (IQR: 2-14; p = 0.06). Pre- vs. post-training, the emergency providers reviewed 45% vs. 43% of photographs; correctly identified abnormals in 67% vs. 57% of cases; and correctly identified normals in 80% vs. 84%. The Fundus photography vs. Ophthalmoscopy Trial Outcomes in the Emergency Department studies have demonstrated that emergency providers perform substantially better with fundus photography than direct ophthalmoscopy, but our web-based, in-service training did not result in further improvements at our institution.
Keywords: Fundus photography; telemedicine; training.