Feasibility of asynchronous video-based telemedicine in the diagnosis and management of paediatric blepharoptosis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of using video glasses as part of an asynchronous telemedicine screening protocol for paediatric blepharoptosis. METHODS: A physician assistant wearing Pivothead SMART Series glasses recorded videos of paediatric patients referred for blepharoptosis in primary, down and upgaze while holding a ruler next to the eyes. An oculoplastic surgeon viewed the stored videos and recorded margin-reflex distance 1 and levator function. Using these measurements, the surgeon determined whether surgical intervention was recommended and, if so, which procedure was recommended. The surgeon recorded the same parameters for each patient based on an in-person examination performed later that day. Videos were reviewed eight months later and the same parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-nine children (n = 58 eyes) were enrolled. Margin-reflex distance 1 and levator function measurements based on same-day video review agreed with in-person examination 94.8% (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.82) and 98.3% (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96) of the time, respectively. Margin-reflex distance 1 and levator function measurements based on later video review agreed with in-person examination 93.1% (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.85) and 94.8% (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.93) of the time, respectively. Agreement in identifying surgical candidates was almost perfect (= = 0.93) for same-day video review and substantial (= = 0.73) for later video review. Sensitivity of identifying surgical patients was 100% for both same-day video review and later video review; though specificity was lower at 94.1% for same-day video review and 76.5% for later video review. DISCUSSION: Asynchronous telemedicine encounters employing video glasses are a useful screening modality for identifying surgical paediatric blepharoptosis patients.

Strabismus surgical time-out: an illustrated whiteboard modification.

BACKGROUND: Errors in strabismus surgery-including wrong eye, wrong muscle, and wrong procedure-can occur when there is confusion about the surgical plan among members of the surgical team, including surgeons, anesthesia staff, nurses, and technicians. The purpose of this study was to assess whether implementation of a strabismus-specific whiteboard combined with oral statement of the surgical plan using nonophthalmological terminology could improve communication among the team before commencement of surgery. METHODS: A strabismus-specific whiteboard with labeled diagram of the eyes and extraocular muscles was designed. Patient identifiers, diagnosis, deviation, and procedure name were included. This whiteboard was completed preoperatively and referenced during time-out. The surgeons and operating room staff were trained in its use, and surveys were completed before and 6 months after implementation of the whiteboard time-out. RESULTS: The pre-implementation survey was completed by 19 operating room staff members, of whom 15 completed the post-implementation survey. The strabismus specific whiteboard increased staff member understanding of procedure laterality (74% to 93%), muscle(s) to be operated (37% to 93%), and specific procedure(s) planned (37% to 87%). Surgeon surveys also showed increased confidence in staff member understanding of each parameter with whiteboard use. CONCLUSIONS: A standardized time-out combined with an illustrated strabismus surgery whiteboard improves communication between team members and has the potential to reduce surgical errors.