Objectives Briefly discuss the types and features of the otoscope

Objectives

• Briefly discuss the types and features of the otoscope

• Provide an overview of otoscopic assessment procedures

• Present a clinical teaching model for teaching your students to properly use the otoscope

• Provide educational resources for teaching otoscopy

Types & Features of the Otoscope

Types of Otoscopes

• Pocket style

• < $50

Features of the Otoscope

• Power source

• Battery (most common in athletic training clinical setting)
• Electric

Features of the Otoscope

• Magnifier

• Not available on all models
• Provides better view of tympanic membrane, particularly for beginners

Features of the Otoscope

• Speculum

• Variety of sizes
• Reusable or disposable

Overview of Otoscopic Assessment

Examination of the Ear

• History

• Observation

• Palpation

Examination of the Ear

• History

Examination of the Ear

• Observation

Examination of the Ear

• Palpation

Examination of the Ear

• Palpation

Otoscopic Assessment

• Evaluate the noninvolved ear first

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 1:

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 1 (cont.):

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 2:

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 2 (cont.):

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 2 (cont.):

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 3:

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 3 (cont.):

Otoscopic Assessment

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 4:

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 5:

Otoscopic Assessment

• Caution:

Otoscopic Assessment

• Tip:

Otoscopic Assessment

• Caution:

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 6:

Otoscopic Assessment

• Tip

Otoscopic Assessment

• Tip

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 7:

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 8:

• Identify key landmarks

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 8 (cont.):

• Identify key landmarks

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 8 (cont.):

• Identify key landmarks

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 8 (cont.):

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 9:

• Look for abnormalities
• Fluid
• Perforations

Otoscopic Assessment

• Step 10

Instructional Overview

Instructional Overview

• Ear exam, ear pathology, and use of otoscope discussed in classroom setting

Clinical Teaching Model

• Guided, self-directed activities (pre-lab)

Guided, Self-Directed Activities

• Initially completed PRIOR to lab, but may be repeated throughout learning process as needed

Guided, Self-Directed Activities

• Content

Guided, Self-Directed Activities

• Advantages

Instructional Lab

• Structured

Guided Practice with Peers

• Supervision of ACI

Guided Practice with Peers

• Structured practice

Guided, Self-Directed Activities – Post Lab

• Types of activities

Guided, Self-Directed Activities – Post Lab

• Content

Guided, Self-Directed Activities – Post Lab

• Content

• Recognition of pathology – visual images

Guided, Self-Directed Activities – Post Lab

• Content

• Recognition of pathology – visual images

Guided Clinical Practice

• Under supervision of ACI

Implementation into Clinical Practice

• Occurs during following semester

• Any clinical rotation
• Colds, flus, allergies occur throughout all sports (i.e., upper and lower extremity sports, equipment intensive sports, etc.)
• General medical rotation

• Proficiency developed & evaluated through “real-life” cases or scenario-based presentations

Educational Resources

Educational Resources

• Articles

Educational Resources

• Articles

Educational Resources

• Books

Educational Resources

• Team physician

• Nursing or other allied health departments on your campus

Summary

• Although otoscopy is a new skill for athletic trainers, it is one that can be easily mastered with proper instruction and guided practice.

• ACIs and CIs must also be proficient with using the otoscope if they are to direct and supervise the students’ clinical education experiences involving ear evaluation

Summary

• The 10 step process for otoscopy outlined in this presentation is intended to serve as foundation for learning and becoming comfortable with using the otoscope for ear evaluation.

Summary

• Proficiency requires PRACTICE, PRACTICE, & more PRACTICE!