Reimagining otoscopy education : designing a theory-informed virtual clinical experience

Kern's six-step curriculum development model guided the first three steps: problem identification, targeted needs assessment, and goals and objectives. The needs analysis identified limited opportunities for deliberate practice, student anxiety about clinical performance, gaps in clinical reasoning and otoscopy interpretation, and contextual barriers, including connectivity constraints and load shedding. Synthesis of the scoping review and needs analysis yielded six evidence-informed design principles: deliberate practice, scaffolded learning, timely feedback and reflection, authentic case-based learning, curriculum and competency alignment, and contextually responsive learning.

These principles informed the development of a virtual clinical experience prototype incorporating virtual otoscopy cases, progressive case complexity, embedded feedback, and flexible access. Integrating empirical evidence, stakeholder perspectives, and iterative design-based research enabled the development of a theoretically grounded and contextually responsive teaching strategy for otoscopy.</p>