Higher Speciality Training Boot Camp in Otolaryngology: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of the Northern National Formative Specialty Training 3 Induction Course

Abstract

BackgroundOpportunities for new otolaryngology trainees to develop their skills as they embark on specialty training can be limited. Our facility hosted a national simulation-based boot camp for new otolaryngology trainees in the UK. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the boot camp in improving trainee confidence as they transitioned from core surgical training (CST) to higher specialty training (HST) in otolaryngology. MethodologyWe conducted a prospective study on the effectiveness of the boot camp on trainee induction. The boot camp included hands-on simulation, small group teaching and didactic lectures addressing technical skills in the fields of otology, laryngology, rhinology, facial plastics, and paediatrics, as well as non-technical skills involving human factors, simulated ward round, and cognitive simulation. The boot camp curriculum reflected the competencies expected by the Joint Committee of Surgical Training (JCST) at this level of training. Participants completed a pre-and post-course questionnaire addressing their self-confidence for the technical and non-technical skills they developed during the boot camp. All participants were invited to participate in an interview 12 months after the boot camp. ResultsA total of 27 new otolaryngology trainees (approximately half of all new otolaryngology trainees in the UK) participated in the boot camp. A significant increase in median confidence was observed for all technical and non-technical stations (p < 0.0001). The increase in confidence observed was similar for participants regardless of prior experience in otolaryngology. Five candidates were interviewed a year after the boot camp. Analysis of the transcripts generated distinct comments that were grouped into five key themes. ConclusionsA simulation-based boot camp mapped to the JCST curriculum can increase the confidence of new otolaryngology Specialty Training 3 trainees during their transition from CST to HST. It can provide valuable and durable technical and non-technical skills to aid trainees in the clinic, theatre environment, and when on-call during their inaugural year of training.

Does a Junior Doctor focused ‘Bootcamp’ improve the confidence and preparedness of newly appointed ENT registrars to perform their job roles?

“…This aligns with the prior reported literature of signi cant improvements in trainee self-con dence following their participation in an ENT boot camp. 1,2,8,9,13,[17][18][19][20] Our data demonstrated that ENT ST3s reported the greatest improvements in self-preparedness in the rigid bronchoscopy station and the greatest improvement in self-con dence in the sphenopalatine artery (SPA) ligation station compared to the other stations (Table 3). While SPA ligation has not been reported in an ENT bootcamp setting, the tracheostomy ndings support the literature.…”

“…1,8 Following the completion of two foundation years, trainees who pursue ENT training are required to complete a further two years of core surgical training (CST) before starting their six-year ENT higher surgical training programme, with their rst year job role known as a specialty trainee registrar (ST3). 9 Every year, it is estimated that there are 20-50 new ENT ST3s in the UK, who are expected to treat ENT conditions in emergency and elective situations including operating theatres as well as outpatient clinic. 10,11 However, the traditional apprenticeship model of surgical education has reported leaving ENT ST3 trainees feeling undercon dent and unprepared to undertake their new job role.…”

“…10,11 However, the traditional apprenticeship model of surgical education has reported leaving ENT ST3 trainees feeling undercon dent and unprepared to undertake their new job role. 9,12 This is especially signi cant when considering that some ENT emergencies can be life threatening or uncommon, which minimises learning through repeated clinical exposure. 1,13 In a move to mitigate these problems, there has been a signi cant reform in UK surgical training.…”

Informing ENT training bootcamps – operating out-of-hours: a multicentre prospective evaluation

“…Previous national bootcamps did not include drainage of neck abscess or arrest of tonsillar haemorrhage, which represent the second and fifth most frequently performed procedures out-of-hours, respectively, identified by this study. 9 • ENT specialty trainees are expected to perform operations out-of-hours in emergency situations; senior supervision is less readily available out-of-hours • The operations performed out-of-hours have not previously been investigated • National bootcamps and core surgical training aim to help prepare specialty trainees to manage critical events to which they may not previously have been exposed • This paper presents prospectively recorded data showing the range and frequency of out-of-hours ENT procedures, and the supervision level provided • Knowledge of out-of-hours procedures allows trainees to develop proficiency in performing these procedures early in their surgical careers Operating out-of-hours within ENT is often unavoidable. Careful consideration should be taken to ensure patient safety is optimised, both by performing emergency procedures during daytime hours where possible and by ensuring that adequate senior supervision is provided out-of-hours.…”

“…In order to help bridge the gap between core training and specialty training, ENT trainees are now advised to attend a national ENT bootcamp prior to commencing year three of specialty training. 9 These 2-day camps are designed to help trainees develop their management skills for uncommon but critical events to which a trainee may have never previously been exposed. 8…”