ENT Surgical Training in 2018: National Cross-sectional Study

Objectives: This study aimed to draw up an inventory of the current practical training from the surgical trainees’ point of view, identifying strengths and gaps of current training and potential tools to be developed. Methodology: We conducted a broad national survey among ENT Belgian trainees from all universities of the country. The questions included self-assessment, training objectives, training quality and training tools. Results: There were 94 trainees contacted and the overall response rate was 59.5% ; 35.7% of trainees evaluated their level of overall surgical competence at 3/5 compared to an ideal mastery. More than a half (55%) of trainees did not know the training objectives and 73% did not know the basic surgical procedures that a qualified ENT surgeon should be able to perform. The main mode of learning (41%) was the observation of a senior and repetition under supervision (companionship). The results showed mainly logistical and economic drawbacks, on which it seems possible to act using learning methods based on the implementation of organized training sessions, associated with different learning tools such as surgical and procedural simulation. Some of these are already available in our country but remain difficult to access or to develop. Conclusion: This study revealed a real demand and motivation from trainees and could serve as a basis to sketch a teaching scheme improving skills and confidence of future surgeons. Additional studies are needed to identify the most effective ways for implementing this type of teaching within the constraints of the surgical curriculum and teaching hospitals resources.