Effectiveness of online learning in improving optometry student's reflective abilities

ABSTRACT

Purpose Optometry education strives to develop competencies required for reflective practice in its pupils. The forced changes in academia during COVID-19 pandemic, rapid switching to online methods imposed serious challenges on the training of reflective skills. We hypothesize that the synchronous online sessions of case-based reflections are effective in imparting training for reflective practice in optometry students. Methods A prospective study was done with planned, synchronous, online, small group workshops for case-based reflections through the second year of optometry program during ‘introduction to patient care’ course. The reflective competencies were measured with a modified Groningen Reflection Ability Scale (GRAS) at the beginning and towards conclusion. Data was analysed with Mann-Whitney one tail test and qualitative thematic methods. Results Total of 104 students participated in the study. The aggregate score showed significant improvement (p<0.05) in students’ reflective ability. A rising trend was seen in each component namely self-reflection, empathetic and communication reflections. Discussions The results demonstrate that the reflective skills can be developed using virtual patient experiences, case-based reflective practices conducted in synchronous small group workshops in online mode. Students perceived it as useful activity in developing themselves as healthcare professionals. (AU)