Enhancing Non-Technical Competencies in Otolaryngology Trainees With a Novel Leadership Curriculum

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Leadership Development

Background:

• Physician leadership skills are crucial but often underdeveloped in surgical training.
• Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) residents require specific leadership competencies due to complex team dynamics and high-stakes decision-making.
• A structured leadership curriculum is needed to equip OHNS residents with essential skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a needs-based leadership curriculum for OHNS residents.
• To enhance residents' abilities in leadership style adaptation, communication, and conflict resolution.
• To address the gap in leadership training within surgical residency programs.

Main Methods:

• A three-session curriculum was designed for OHNS residents, focusing on leadership styles, difficult conversations, and public speaking.
• Content experts led all training sessions.
• Pre- and post-session surveys using a five-point Likert scale assessed effectiveness, with data analyzed by Wilcoxon rank tests.

Main Results:

• 96% of residents participated in at least one session.
• Significant improvements were observed in adapting leadership styles (3.28 to 4.52) and comfort initiating difficult conversations (2.88 to 3.81).
• Over 90% of participants found the sessions valuable and a good use of time.

Conclusions:

• The novel leadership curriculum effectively enhanced OHNS residents' leadership and communication skills.
• Integrating leadership development into residency programs is vital for addressing a deficiency in traditional surgical training.
• The curriculum improved residents' confidence in managing complex interpersonal and professional situations.