Multi-Institutional Regional Otolaryngology Bootcamp.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Otolaryngology Training

Background:

• Simulation-based procedural training, or bootcamps, are emerging as key educational tools.
• These courses aim to enhance junior resident physician proficiency and improve patient safety.
• The University of California (UC) Davis otolaryngology developed a single-day simulation bootcamp.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare pre- and post-course confidence levels in junior residents.
• To assess the efficacy of individual training stations within the bootcamp.
• To evaluate the overall impact of simulation-based training on resident preparedness.

Main Methods:

• A single-day otolaryngology bootcamp was designed with six cadaveric task trainer stations and four complex simulations.
• Task trainer stations covered procedures such as epistaxis management, cricothyrotomy, and soft tissue reconstruction.
• Simulations included critical scenarios like airway fire and pediatric respiratory codes, with junior residents from multiple institutions participating.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant increase in resident confidence was observed across all task trainer stations post-course.
• All training stations achieved high efficacy ratings, averaging 4 (very effective) or 5 (most effective) on Likert scales.
• Participant feedback indicated strong positive reception to the simulation and task trainer components.

Conclusions:

• Multi-institutional, simulation-based bootcamps serve as valuable adjuncts for junior resident training.
• These programs foster camaraderie and enable the pooling of limited educational resources.
• Simulation bootcamps demonstrate potential cost-effectiveness in resident surgical education.