Surgeon educator perspectives of implementing a national undergraduate curriculum in otolaryngology

Abstract

Objective The General Medical Council will be implementing a national medical licensing assessment for all UK medical students by 2024–25. Surgeon educator perceptions on a national undergraduate curriculum in otolaryngology were reviewed accordingly. Method A mixed methods study was undertaken within a UK school of surgery assessing ENT surgeon educators. Perspectives on teaching content, quality and student experience were assessed with degree of agreement assessed (Likert scoring). Associated qualitative focus group sessions underwent detailed thematic analysis according to grounded theory. Results A response rate of 50 per cent was achieved involving 21 participants working across 14 hospitals. These showed strong agreement that implementation of a national curriculum would improve the standard of teaching delivered at a personal, institutional and national level. Further themes were identified relating to the personal, institutional and specialty related factors influencing practical delivery. Conclusion A series of practical recommendations are made to potentially assist the implementation of a national ENT curriculum.