Longitudinal effects of utilising photography on the accuracy of ergonomic self-assessments amongst dental hygiene students.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the longitudinal effects of feedback involving photography and self-assessment on the accuracy of ergonomic self-assessments and ergonomic scores amongst dental hygiene students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved an experimental design. Data collection took place over 4 months, divided into weeks 1-4 and after 3 months. At weeks 1 through 4 and 3 months, all participants completed ergonomic self-evaluations, using a Modified-Dental Operator Posture Assessment Instrument. At week 1, week 4 and 3 months, all participants were photographed, and in weeks 2 and 3, only participants in the training group were photographed and used those photographs to complete ergonomic self-assessments. All participants' photographs were evaluated by three faculty raters. RESULTS: A mixed-design ANOVA of Kappa coefficient values between student and rater scores measured the effects of the feedback with photography on the accuracy of student self-assessments. A main effect for group was not found to be significant (F(1,30) = 2.90, P = .101). A mixed-design ANOVA measured the effects of the feedback with photography on the ergonomic scores. No significant main effects were found (F(1,120) = 1.55, P = .216). CONCLUSION: Although self-assessment utilising photographs resulted in initial improvements in the accuracy of ergonomic self-assessments and ergonomic scores after 4 weeks, both ergonomic accuracy and scores significantly decreased after 3 months. Improvement in ergonomic accuracy and scores may be sustained by the continual facilitated use of photographs and self-assessment by dental and dental hygiene educators.