scholarly journals Online residency training during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national survey of otolaryngology head and neck surgery program directors

Author(s):  
Jade Chénard-Roy ◽  
Matthieu J. Guitton ◽  
François Thuot

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted healthcare and education systems, including resident education. The impact of the pandemic on the different types of pedagogical activities, and the displacement of pedagogical activities to online modalities have not yet been quantified. We sought to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on formal pedagogic components of otorhinolaryngology–head and neck surgery (ORL–HNS) residency, the switch to distance learning and program director’s perceptions of the future of teaching and learning. Methods A nationwide online survey was conducted on Canadian ORL–HNS program directors. The use of standard didactic activities in-person and online, before and during the pandemic was rated with Likert scales. Perceptions of the pandemic were described with open-ended questions. Results A total of 11 of the 13 program directors contacted responded. The analysis were conducted using nonparametric statistics. There was a significant drop in overall didactic activities during the pandemic, regardless of the teaching format (3.5 ± 0.2 to 3.1 ± 0.3, p < 0.05). The most affected activities were simulation and in-house lectures. Online activities increased dramatically (0.5 ± 0.2 to 5.0 ± 0.5, p < 0.001), including attendance to lectures made by other programs (0.5 ± 0.3 to 4.0 ± 0.8, p < 0.05). Respondents stated their intention to maintain the hybrid online and in-person teaching model. Conclusions These findings suggest that hybrid online and in-person teaching is likely to persist in the post-pandemic setting. A balanced residency curriculum requires diversity in academic activities. The pandemic can have positive consequences if higher education institutions work to better support distance teaching and learning. Graphical Abstract

Author(s):  
Ana Kober Leite ◽  
Leandro Luongo Matos ◽  
Claudio R. Cernea ◽  
Luiz Paulo Kowalski

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had a high impact on surgical training around the world due to required measures regarding the suspension of elective procedures and the dismissal of nonessential personnel. Objectives To understand the impact the pandemic had on head and neck surgery training in Brazil. Methods We conducted a 29-question online survey with head and neck surgery residents in Brazil, assessing the impact the pandemic had on their training. Results Forty-six residents responded to the survey, and 91.3% of them reported that their residency was affected by the pandemic, but most residents were not assigned to work directly with patients infected with the new coronavirus (71.4%). All residents reported decrease in clinic visits and in surgical procedures, mostly an important reduction of ∼ 75%. A total of 56.5% of the residents described that the pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental, health and only 4 (8.7%) do not have any symptoms of burnout. The majority (78.3%) of the residents reported that educational activities were successfully adapted to online platforms, and 37% were personally infected with the virus. Conclusion Most surgical residencies were greatly affected by the pandemic, and residents had an important decrease in surgical training. Educational activities were successfully adapted to online modalities, but the residency programs should search for ways of trying to compensate for the loss of practical activities.


2005 ◽  
Vol 132 (6) ◽  
pp. 819-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd A. Kupferman ◽  
Tim S. Lian

OBJECTIVE: To determine what impact, if any, of the recently implemented duty hour standards have had on otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residency programs from the perspective of program directors. We hypothesized that the implementation of resident duty hour limitations have caused changes in otolaryngology training programs in the United States. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Information was collected via survey in a prospective, blinded fashion from program directors of otolaryngology-head and neck residency training programs in the United States. RESULTS: Overall, limitation of resident duty hours is not an improvement in otolaryngology-head and neck residency training according to 77% of the respondents. The limitations on duty hours have caused changes in the resident work schedules in 71% of the programs responding. Approximately half of the residents have a favorable impression of the work hour changes. Thirty-two percent of the respondents indicate that changes to otolaryngology support staff were required, and of those many hired physician assistants. Eighty-four percent of the respondents did not believe that the limitations on resident duty hours improved patient care, and 81% believed that it has negatively impacted resident training experience. Forty-five percent of the program directors felt that otolaryngology-head and neck faculty were forced to increase their work loads to accommodate the decrease in the time that residents were allowed to be involved in clinical activities. Fifty-four percent of the programs changed from in-hospital to home call to accommodate the duty hour restrictions. CONCLUSIONS: According to the majority of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery program directors who responded to the survey, the limitations on resident duty hours imposed by the ACGME are not an improvement in residency training, do not improve patient care, and have decreased the training experience of residents. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that multiple changes have been made to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery training programs because of work hour limitations set forth by the ACGME.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (03) ◽  
pp. e258-e266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Paulo Kowalski ◽  
Rui Imamura ◽  
Gilberto de Castro Junior ◽  
Gustavo Nader Marta ◽  
Aline Lauda Freitas Chaves ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infection caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and it is highly transmissible, especially through respiratory droplets. To prepare the health system for the care of these patients also led to a restriction in the activity of several medical specialties. Physicians who work with patients affected by diseases of the head and neck region constitute one of the populations most vulnerable to COVID-19 and also most affected by the interruption of their professional activities. Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of head and neck surgeons and otorhinolaryngologists in Brazil. Methods An anonymous online survey of voluntary participation was applied, containing 30 questions regarding demographic aspects, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), and impact on the routine of head and neck surgeons and otorhinolaryngologists, as well as clinical oncologists and radiation oncologists who work with head and neck diseases. Results Seven hundred and twenty-nine answers were received in a period of 4 days, ∼ 40 days after the 1st confirmed case in Brazil. With professionals working in public and private services, there was a high level of concerns with the disease and its consequences, limited availability of PPE and a significant decrease in the volume of specialized medical care. Conclusion The study demonstrated a direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice of specialties related to the treatment of patients with diseases of the head and neck region already in the beginning of the illness management in Brazil.


2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
Tatjana Goranovic ◽  
Boris Simunjak ◽  
Dinko Tonkovic ◽  
Miran Martinac

Objective: To analyze the impact of the hospital board’s cost saving measure on physicians’ decision to indicate head and neck surgery according to the type of anaesthesia (general versus local). Methods: Design: a retrospective analysis of medical charts on head and neck surgery and anaesthesia covering 2011-2012. Setting: department of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery, university hospital, Croatia. Participants: patients undergoing head and neck surgery. Intervention(s): reduction of departmental financial fund for general anaesthesia for 10%. Main Outcome Measure(s): an overall of number of head and neck surgeries performed in general versus local anaesthesia before and after the implementation of the intervention measure. Results: There were a total of 984 head and neck surgeries in general anaesthesia in 2011 and 861 in 2012. There were a total of 460 head and neck surgeries in local anaesthesia in 2011 and 528 in 2012. The performance of head and neck surgeries in general anaesthesia was significantly reduced in a year after the implementation of the intervention (p = .01) There was no statistical significant difference in the performance of head and neck surgeries in local anaesthesia before and after the intervention. Conclusions: The reduction of departmental fund for general anaesthesia as a cost saving method resulted only in reducing the total performance of surgeries in general anaesthesia without any switch to performing surgeries in local anaesthesia. It seems that the hospital board’s cost saving measure did not have any impact on physicians’ decisions to indicate more surgeries in local anaesthesia. 


2017 ◽  
Vol 127 (12) ◽  
pp. 2738-2745 ◽  
Author(s):  
Remy Friedman ◽  
Christina H. Fang ◽  
Johann Hasbun ◽  
Helen Han ◽  
Leila J. Mady ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 133 (4) ◽  
pp. 339-343
Author(s):  
J Cottrell ◽  
P You ◽  
K Fung

AbstractObjectivesLittle is known about what shapes the choice of employment location in a competitive surgical specialty like otolaryngology – head and neck surgery. This study aimed to identify factors important in determining practice location among Canadian otolaryngologistsMethodsAn online survey was distributed nationally to active members of the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. The survey collected data on general demographics, current practice description, training location, factors deemed important in practice location decisions, and job satisfaction.ResultsA total of 122 survey responses were collected, with a similar proportion of participants in academic versus community practice. The majority of respondents (73 per cent) practised in the same province as their residency training. Participants identified job vacancy, colleague interaction, spouse opinion and hospital services as important in the decision of practice location.ConclusionKey determinants of practice location among Canadian otolaryngologists include job vacancies, spouse opinion, and colleague interactions. Overall, Canadian otolaryngologists report high satisfaction with current employment.


2020 ◽  
pp. 019459982094249
Author(s):  
Katie Geelan-Hansen ◽  
Vega Were ◽  
Kleve Granger ◽  
Dwight Jones

Objectives to Examine the practice characteristics of same-day clinic appointments and the use of same-day appointment scheduling to provide access to care in an otolaryngology–head and neck surgery clinic. Methods Retrospective chart review of same-day clinic appointments from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018, in patients aged >19 years at a single academic center. Demographic data, diagnoses, procedures completed, and operations completed were analyzed. Results There were 2696 visits by 2324 patients during the 3-year study period. More men than women (57% vs 43%) made same-day appointments. The mean age was 50.7 years (range, 19-99 years). Sinonasal and otologic diagnoses were the most frequently coded. A total of 1452 procedures were completed on the day of the visit, and 239 operations were completed as a result of the visit. Overall, a broad spectrum of otolaryngology care was delivered within the organizational new patient access goals. Discussion Access to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery care can be challenging. Many patients will seek care when they feel they need it, and patient conditions can change unexpectedly. Offering same-day scheduling can allow patients timely health care and appropriate care. Implications for Practice Same-day appointment scheduling can provide access to care and urgent care for patients. The department of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery has been able to maintain a high rate of providing new patient appointments within 10 days with this method. Further considerations for the impact of same-day scheduling on no-show rates and patient satisfaction can be evaluated.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 237428952199424
Author(s):  
Lewis A. Hassell ◽  
JoElle Peterson ◽  
Liron Pantanowitz

Bringing digital teaching materials into residency training programs has seen slow adoption, expected for many new technologies. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically shifted the paradigm for many resident teaching modalities as institutions instituted social distancing to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus. The impact of this shift on pathology trainee education has not been well studied. We conducted an online survey of pathology trainees, program directors, and faculty to assess pre- and post-COVID-19 use of, and response to, various digital pathology modalities. Responses were solicited through both social media and directed appeals. A total of 261 respondents (112 faculty, 52 program directors, and 97 trainees) reported a dramatic and significant increase in the use of digital pathology-related education tools. A significant majority of faculty and program directors agreed that this shift had adversely affected the quality (59% and 62%, respectively) and effectiveness (66%) of their teaching. This perception was similar among learners relative to the impact on quality (59%) and effectiveness (64%) of learning. Most respondents (70%-92%) anticipate that their use of digital pathology education tools will increase or remain the same post-COVID. The global COVID-19 pandemic created a unique opportunity and challenge for pathology training programs. Digital pathology resources were accordingly readily adopted to continue supporting educational activities. The learning curve and utilization of this technology was perceived to impair the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning. Since the use of digital tools appears poised to continue to grow post-COVID19, challenges due to impaired quality and effectiveness will need to be addressed.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document