European otorhinolaryngology training programs: results of a European survey about training satisfaction, work environment and conditions in six countries

Abstract

ORL-students and residents have an ongoing debate about the "best" programme in Europe. Aim of this study was to comparatively assess differences among programmes in training, satisfaction, quality of life (QoL) of residents and recent otorhinolaryngologist (ORL) specialists in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, and Belgium. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire, structured in ten sections including general information, provided guidance, working environment, training structure, teaching of medical students, publication work, QoL, and satisfaction with training, were emailed to residents and recent ORL specialists. 476 returned questionnaires from 6 countries revealed that daily work hours were the highest in France and Belgium with 11 and 10.4 h on average, respectively. QoL, work conditions, and salary were best in Germany followed by Austria in terms of possibility of part-time contracts, better respect for post-duty day off, and compensation for overtime. Satisfaction with training including support and guidance of seniors was lowest in Italy, but, on the other hand, the publication work and support had a more important place than in other countries. In Belgium, there was some gap between the quality of teaching and feedback from seniors as well as apprenticeship. The highest satisfaction with training was in France and Spain followed by Austria. The study results provide guidance before choosing an ORL training programme in Europe. Country-specific strengths could be included into future harmonization efforts to improve all programmes, facilitate professional exchange and, finally, establish standards-of-care carried out by well-trained doctors also looking after a satisfying work-life balance.

Satisfaction of young ENT surgeons with their work. A Finnish national study

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Effectiveness of an Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Residents' Induction “Boot Camp” in Saudi Arabia

“…Knowledge in surgical specialties is among other competencies that need to be built during residency, including surgical skills, psychomotor and decision-making, and leadership. [10,16,24] We believe that it will be more beneficial if other dimensions of training are included in boot camps, such as surgical skills and making clinical judgments, which were not included in the current study.…”

Employment status of young otorhinolaryngologists in Finland during a 10-year period

“…The need for ENT services will grow due to the development of available treatment modalities and due to the increase and ageing of the Finnish population [3]. The proportion of female ENT doctors has increased, and this can contribute to an increased need of ENT doctors due to maternity leaves and part-time working [3,[7][8][9]. However, these factors are not significant enough to compensate for the increasing imbalance in the demand and supply of labour.…”