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Deficiencies of cross-training between pediatrics and otolaryngology
1Department of Surgery, Humber River Regional Hospital, Toronto, Ont., Canada. fabianent@rogers.com
Insights
Pediatricians and otolaryngologists frequently treat children, yet cross-training between these specialties is lacking. Survey results confirm a significant need for enhanced training in both pediatrics and otolaryngology for residents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Otolaryngology
- Medical Education
Background:
- Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions are common in pediatric practice.
- General otolaryngologists frequently operate on pediatric patients.
- A hypothesis suggests a gap in cross-specialty training between pediatrics and otolaryngology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the perceived need for cross-specialty training between pediatrics and otolaryngology in Canada.
- To identify current training levels and areas needing improvement for residents in both fields.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was mailed to all pediatric and otolaryngology program directors across Canada.
- Program directors were surveyed about the necessity of cross-training, current resident training, and specific clinical areas requiring more focus.
Main Results:
- High response rates from both pediatric (62.5%) and otolaryngology (83.3%) program directors.
- All pediatric directors and 90% of otolaryngology directors identified training deficiencies and a need for cross-specialty teaching.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates a clear deficiency in the cross-training between pediatric and otolaryngology residency programs.
- There is a mutual need for enhanced education in pediatric ENT for otolaryngologists and in general pediatrics for pediatricians.
Objective:
Conditions relating to the ear, nose and throat are very frequent problems encountered by general pediatricians. Similarly, a major percentage of patients seen and operated on by the general otolaryngologist are of the pediatric age group. It is my hypothesis that there is a deficiency of cross-training between these two specialties.
Methods:
All pediatric and otolaryngology program directors in Canada were contacted by mail. They were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the need for further cross-training, what training their residents are presently receiving, and clinical entities that needed more attention.
Results:
Data were tabulated and analyzed. 62.5% of pediatric program directors and 83.3% of otolaryngology program directors responded. All pediatric program directors indicated a need for teaching by otolaryngologists for their residents and 90% identified an area of deficiency in training. Similarly, 90% of otolaryngology program directors indicated a need for teaching by pediatricians for their residents and 89% of those identified an area of deficiency in training.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that there is a deficiency in cross-training between pediatrics and otolaryngology.
