CACN Platform Presentations

• Published in: Canadian journal of neurological sciences Vol. 42; no. S1; p. S13
• Main Authors: Yang, MM, Singhal, A, Kerr, JM, Hengel, AR, George, S, Thiessen, P, Muir, K, Enarson, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, USA Cambridge University Press 01.05.2015
• Subjects: CACN Platform Presentations; Platform Presentations
• ISSN: 0317-1671; 2057-0155
• DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2015.82

Background: Fundoscopy is an important component of the neurological examination, but can be challenging in uncooperative children. This study explores whether playing a video during eye examination, improves the success, duration and ease of pediatric fundoscopy. Methods: We completed a prospective, multi-clinic, block-randomized trial. Patients 1-4 years were recruited in the emergency department, neurology, spinal cord and general pediatric clinic. Patients were randomized (by eye examined) to video/non-video assisted fundoscopy. Successful exams were defined as visualizing the fundus within 60 seconds. Time to visualize optic disc was recorded and difficulty of exam was examined using a 10-point Likert scale. Results: 101 subjects were recruited, with a mean age of 2.8 years. Overall, there was a 20% absolute improvement in the success rate of visualizing the optic disc in the video versus non-video group (p<0.01). Time to visualize optic disc was also improved (Δ5.3s, p<0.01). Improvement in ease of examination with video were noted by caregivers and practitioners (p<0.01). Conclusion: Playing a video improved the ease, duration and most importantly the success of fundoscopy in younger children. This simple, inexpensive adjunct has great potential to improve the ease and efficacy of this aspect of the neurological examination.