Surgeon educator perspectives of implementing a national undergraduate curriculum in otolaryngology

ObjectiveThe 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. MethodA 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. ResultsA 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. ConclusionA series of practical recommendations are made to potentially assist the implementation of a national ENT curriculum.

Automated summary

This study examined the perceptions of surgeon educators on a national undergraduate curriculum in otolaryngology. The results showed that implementing a national curriculum would improve the quality of teaching, and practical recommendations were made.