Experience, Attitude, and Perceived Barriers Toward Research Among Ophthalmology Residents in Saudi Arabia: A National Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

Research sets the foundation for evidence-based practice in medicine. Globally resident doctors in various specialties are facing major obstacles to accomplish high quality research projects. Understanding these obstacles may help residents achieve their maximum research potential. This current study was undertaken to document the experience, attitude, and perceived barriers toward research among Saudi ophthalmology residents.

Methodology

A specific questionnaire was developed and validated for the purpose of this study. The questionnaire was distributed online via email to actively enrolled residents in all five ophthalmology training programs in Saudi Arabia.

Results

Out of a total number of 193 ophthalmology residents in all five training programs, 147 responded to the questionnaire yielding a 76.1% response rate the mean age of participants was 27.6 ±1.8 and the number of males and females was almost equal. The vast majority [96.4%] have worked on at least one research project before starting residency training. Involvement was mainly in the phases of concept and design [72.5%], proposal preparation [85.9%], the three most frequent obstacles to conducting research projects for trainees were burden of other activities [4.27], lack of protected time for research [4.11] and too many regulations in obtaining ethical approval [3.67].

Discussion

Our current study shows that ophthalmology residents understand the importance of clinical research, but they are facing a considerable number of barriers toward accomplishing high-quality research projects. Findings of our study may help program directors to address these barriers and improve the incorporation of research along with clinical training in residency curricula.

Ameliorative effects of thymoquinone against eye lens changes in streptozotocin diabetic rats

The possible protective effect of thymoquinone against eye lens changes in diabetic rats was investigated. Following diabetes induction by a single injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg, i.p.), thymoquinone was administered in three different doses (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 12 weeks. Thymoquinone significantly and dose-dependently attenuated the hypoinsulinemia and hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. Also, thymoquinone (particularly 40 and 80 mg/kg) significantly decreased the elevations of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, glycated proteins, aldose reductase activity, sorbitol level, and caspase-3 activity in the lens tissues of diabetic rats. In addition, thymoquinone (particularly 40 and 80 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the diabetes-induced reductions of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities, and total and soluble protein contents in the lens tissues. It was concluded that thymoquinone significantly protected the lens tissue against changes induced by diabetes in rats through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects.

PixEye Virtual Reality Training has the Potential of Enhancing Proficiency of Laser Trabeculoplasty Performed by Medical Students: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the surgical proficiency of medical students who underwent traditional training or virtual reality training for argon laser trabeculoplasty with the PixEye simulator.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cohort comprised of 47 fifth year male medical students from the College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. The cohort was divided into two groups: students (n = 24), who received virtual reality training (VR Group) and students (n = 23), who underwent traditional training (Control Group). After training, the students performed the trabeculoplasty procedure. All trainings were included concurrent power point presentations describing the details of the procedure. Evaluation of surgical performance was based on the following variables: missing the exact location with the laser, overtreatment, undertreatment and inadvertent laser shots to iris and cornea.

RESULTS

The target was missed by 8% of the VR Group compared to 55% in the Control Group. Overtreatment and undertreatment was observed in 7% of the VR Group compared to 46% of the Control Group. Inadvertent laser application to the cornea or iris was performed by 4.5% of the VR Group compared to 34% of the Control Group.

CONCLUSION

Virtual reality training on PixEye simulator may enhance the proficiency of medical students and limit possible surgical errors during laser trabeculoplasty. The authors have no financial interest in the material mentioned in this study.

T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia presenting as red eye

T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare, highly aggressive, mature T-cell neoplasm. Ocular involvement in T-PLL is very rarely described in the literature. There are only two reports in the literature documenting conjunctival involvement in cases with T-PLL. Conjunctival involvement may be the presenting sign of the disease or rarely signifies the relapse of the disease. We present a case of a 36-year-old Saudi male patient in whom bilateral red eyes were the presenting sign of T-PLL.

A forecast of ophthalmology practice trends in saudi arabia: a survey of junior residents

Purpose:

The aim of this study is to identify the trends in practice pattern among current ophthalmology residents in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods:

Ophthalmology residents in Saudi Arabia responded anonymously to a written survey between November 2007 and February 2008. The survey contained questions on demographic information, medical education, residency training, career goals and factors influencing their career choice. The data were categorized by gender. The influence of gender on outcome was assessed in a univariate fashion using the Chi-square or Fisher exact test when appropriate. A P-value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant for all analyses.

Results:

A total of 68 out of 85 residents (80%) responded to the survey. Over one-half of the residents preferred to pursue a fellowship within Saudi Arabia (53%), while others (25%) planned to train in North America. The majority of respondents wished to practice in an urban setting (63%). Anterior segment was the most desired subspecialty, while general ophthalmology and glaucoma were not a popular choice. Most residents were interested in refractive surgery (77%) and research (75%). The main factor influencing the decision to pursue ophthalmology was the ability to combine medicine and surgery (97%), while a positive elective experience was also an important factor, particularly for female respondents (91% vs. 57%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Concerted efforts are required to encourage adoption to ophthalmic practice in public institutions rather than in private practice. In addition training in underrepresented subspecilaties should be encouraged to ensure adequate ophthalmic care for all citizens of Saudi Arabia.