Resident's preparedness for independent practice following Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residency program: a cross-sectional survey.

Purpose: Evaluate perception of preparedness for independent practice following the Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residency program of Université de Montréal.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey of graduates from the past 10 years. Participants were asked about their level of confidence at the end of their residency for various procedures using a 5-point Likert scale.

Results: 7 out of 27 procedures were mastered by most physicians at the end of residency. The highest confidence level was in head and neck surgery (4 out of 5 procedures with a mean confidence level of 4 or higher) and lowest in laryngology and otology (both having 3 procedures with a median confidence level of 2 or less). The lowest confidence level was seen in ossiculoplasty and thyroplasty, being the only procedures to have a mean confidence level below 2. The highest scores were seen in superficial parotidectomy, direct microlaryngoscopy and trans-oral drainage of an abscess. These latter were the only procedures in which 100% of the respondent had a confidence level of 4 or 5.

Discussion: It has recently been suspected that these fields were potential weaknesses, so adjustments were made. This study provides new information to improves the curriculum. Recent and incoming change's impact on resident's confidence will be assessed in the future.

Conclusion: This study highlights procedures and Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery subspecialties in which more surgical exposure or curriculum changes could increase resident's confidence and skills as part of a comprehensive Otorhinolaryngology practice.