Augmenting ENT surgery outside the medical school curriculum: the role of a 1-day otolaryngology course. Issue 4 (10th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spiers, H; Enayati, H; Moussa, R; Zargaran, A; Thomas, A; Murtaza, A; Turki, M; Ofo, E
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 133:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 269
• Page End: 274
• Publication Date: 2019-04-10
• Subjects: Otolaryngology, -- Teaching, -- Education, -- Medical Students; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215119000331
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

Abstract: Background: ENT is highly under-represented in the saturated UK medical school curriculum, comprising less than 1 per cent of the curriculum. A 1-day course was implemented in order to raise awareness of ENT among medical students, educate them in the specialty and teach a basic skill. Methods: The skills day comprised lectures by consultants followed by a consultant-led workshop teaching tracheostomy. Pre- and post-course questionnaires assessed perceptions of ENT, confidence performing tracheostomy and interest in ENT as a career. Results: Perceptions of ENT as a specialty were improved by up to 80 per cent ( p < 0.01). There was improved understanding of and confidence in performing tracheostomies. Interest in a career in ENT was increased by 77 per cent ( p < 0.01). Conclusion: A 1-day course run by a student body can be a powerful adjunct to the medical school curriculum, in terms of educating undergraduates in ENT and inspiring the pursuit of ENT as a career.