Otolaryngology residency program websites in a socially distanced application cycle

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Otolaryngology Residency Training
• Digital Health Communication

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated virtual recruitment and application processes for otolaryngology residency programs.
• Evaluating the digital presence of otolaryngology residency programs is crucial for applicant guidance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the comprehensiveness of otolaryngology residency program websites.
• To identify the inclusion of virtual interview cycle resources and diversity commitments.
• To provide an updated evaluation during a socially distanced application cycle.

Main Methods:

• A review of 118 otolaryngology residency program websites was conducted between December 2020 and January 2021.
• Websites were evaluated based on 31 selected criteria, including virtual tours and diversity statements.
• Statistical analysis (Student's t-test, ANOVA) compared criteria across programs based on location, size, and Doximity rankings.

Main Results:

• Websites met an average of 52.6% (16.3/31) of the evaluated criteria.
• Fewer than one-third of programs offered virtual facility tours, and only 33% had explicit diversity and inclusion statements.
• Larger programs and those ranked in the top 50 by Doximity included significantly more criteria.

Conclusions:

• Otolaryngology residency websites show improvement but require further enhancement in comprehensiveness and virtual resources.
• Programs should prioritize updating websites with information on training, culture, diversity, and inclusion.
• Developing new online resources is essential to support applicants in virtual interview cycles.