Operative training in otolaryngology in the United Kingdom: A specialist registrar survey

Abstract

It appears that the Specialist Advisory Committee (SAC) is generally successful in maintaining common operative training standards and providing a homogenous training environment. During the first four years registrars attain an appropriate level of general training while the last two years are mainly devoted to subspecialty interests.

Otolaryngology residency education: a scoping review on the shift towards competency‐based medical education

“…However, as comprehensive portfolios have not yet been established, the strength and weaknesses of each type of assessment tool found in this review must be discussed. Trainee case log reviews were popular in the past; however, they do not provide enough information to deduce whether a trainee has achieved competency and therefore cannot be used as the sole assessment tool in CBME frameworks . In comparison, tools developed from an objective structured assessment of technical skill (OSATS) foundation, such as task‐specific checklists (TSCs) and global rating scales (GRSs), are the most popular, effective and feasible way to provide assessment and formative feedback for technical skills (for examples and more discussion, refer to Martin, Regehr, Reznick et al ., 1997).…”

Evaluating Gaps in Otolaryngology Training: An In-Depth Needs Assessment in Saudi Arabia

“…Comparative analyses of surgical competencies across different countries have yielded mixed findings. While otolaryngology training in the UK has been lauded for its success and cohesiveness, Japanese trainees reportedly struggle to attain optimal mastery of surgical techniques post-residency [29]. The US context reveals inconsistencies between program directors' expectations and graduates' perceptions of the number of procedures needed for competency.…”

In the face of increasing subspecialisation, how does the specialty ensure that the management of ENT emergencies is timely, appropriate and safe?

“…Indeed, it has been shown that the vast majority of trainees aim to pursue a subspecialty interest in ENT surgery at consultant level 9 . The issues surrounding emergency care versus subspecialisation may be resolved by ensuring that all trainees are competent in general ENT surgery for the first four years, whilst the last two years are mainly devoted to the subspecialty interest 10 . The specialty as a whole would thus ensure that trainees are able to manage emergencies in a timely, appropriate and safe manner.…”