ENT and airways in the emergency department: national survey of junior doctors' knowledge and skills

Confidence of Emergency Department doctors in managing ophthalmic emergencies: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Eye emergencies constitute a significant portion of attendances to general Emergency Departments (EDs) in the UK, therefore it is important to assess the confidence of doctors who work in this setting in managing these potentially sight- and life-threatening presentations. This systematic review aims to assess the confidence of UK doctors working in general EDs in managing ophthalmic emergencies.

METHODS

MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), ProQuest Central and Web of Science databases and grey literature were searched from inception to 1 October 2022 for publications that (1) featured doctors working in UK general EDs, (2) assessed doctors' confidence in managing ophthalmic emergencies, (3) contained original data, (4) were full-text, and (5) written in English. Methodological quality was assessed using the AXIS tool.

RESULTS

462 articles were screened, and 7 papers included for data extraction, which collectively assessed the confidence of 956 doctors working in EDs in managing ophthalmic emergencies. There was a widespread lack of confidence amongst foundation doctors, which has worsened over time. Most doctors lacked confidence in performing funduscopy and using the slit-lamp, and considered formal ophthalmology training received in EDs to be inadequate.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence suggests a lack of confidence amongst foundation doctors in managing ophthalmic emergencies. High-quality evidence investigating the confidence amongst more experienced Emergency Medicine (EM) physicians was lacking. It is important to assess why foundation doctors feel so ill-prepared to manage eye emergencies and develop further ophthalmic training for doctors working in EDs. Further investigation exploring the confidence of EM trainees and consultants is required.

Increasing health care providers' knowledge of tracheostomy and laryngectomy

BACKGROUND

The differences between tracheostomy and total laryngectomy are frequently misunderstood by healthcare professionals. Insufficient knowledge can potentially result in life-threatening consequences in the event of an emergent airway situation.

METHODS

A seven-question assessment of providers' anatomical knowledge and airway management was completed prior to and following a standardized one-hour didactic lecture.

RESULTS

Forty-six participants completed the pre- and post-assessment. There were 20 (43.5%) ENT ICU/IMC Staff (EBU), 20 (43.5%) Florida Surgical Center Staff (FSC), and 6 (13%) Anesthesia providers (Anes). Pre-lecture score average was 44.7% across all providers, significantly improving to 83.8% post-lecture (p < 0.001). Nursing staff from the Otolaryngology ICU, and OR staff, had significant improvement in knowledge base (p < 0.001). Anesthesia providers showed improvement, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.052).

CONCLUSIONS

Didactic lectures are a simple and low-cost option with significant potential in improving provider knowledge on these critical topics and improve patient care by non-otolaryngology providers.

Knowledge of head and neck cancer among medical students in the UK

Head and neck cancer (HNC) refers to malignancies found in mucosal surfaces anywhere from the paranasal sinuses to the larynx, including the various glands and cavities. Between the years 2016 and 2018, there were about 3900 new cases every year in women and 8600 in men, making it the thirteenth most common cancer in women and fourth most common in men. The aim of our study was to evaluate the amount and type of teaching United Kingdom (UK) medical students receive on HNC, and to assess their current knowledge of these cancers. An online survey distributed via university representatives was responded to by 311 final year medical students from 25 medical schools across the UK. Regarding HNC teaching, 72 students (23.2%) reported receiving no teaching at their medical school. Of the 239 who reported receiving teaching, 169 (54.3%) received it in the format of a non-interactive, large group lecture. A total of 271 respondents (87.1%) believed that medical students at their university would benefit from more teaching on HNC. Based on our sample, there appears to be an overall dissatisfaction and lack of confidence surrounding HNC in the undergraduate curriculum. With its increasing prevalence in the UK, it is vital that red-flag symptoms and referral criteria are understood by the future medical workforce.

Effectiveness of Training: Airway Management of Tracheostomized Pediatric Patients by Pediatric Residents and Anesthesiology Residents

To evaluate the effect of training on increasing baseline knowledge of pediatrics and anesthesia residents about airway management of pediatric patients with tracheostomy. It is a prospective, descriptive, before and after survey study. A questionnaire was conducted to measure the baseline knowledge of pediatrics and anesthesia residents about airway management in patients with pediatric tracheotomy. The same questionnaire was repeated after the education. Of the 63 participants, 42 were pediatric residents and 21 were anesthesiology residents. While the number of participants who answered the cuff part, inner cannula part, obturator part and balloon part of the tracheostomy tube correctly before the training was 27, 4, 10, and 12, respectively, these numbers increased to 53, 52, 57, and 55 after the training. There was a statistically significant improvement after the training in the correct response of the cuff, inner cannula, obturator, and balloon sections. A statistically significant improvement was observed in the answers received after the training for all 7 questions regarding the clinical scenario of accidental decannulation and tracheostomy bleeding compared to the pre-training. There was a statistical improvement in part where the participants rated themselves. In conclusion, training increases the ability of healthcare professionals to cope with life-threatening complications related to pediatric tracheotomy. A standardized education program on pediatric tracheostomy should be included in the routine programs of associated departments such as emergency medicine, anesthesia, and pediatrics residencies.

Online learning: an effective option for teaching ENT to medical students?

OBJECTIVE

ENT is underrepresented in the curriculum, and this has been compounded by coronavirus disease 2019. Recent restructures have removed ENT placements from the curriculum. This lack of exposure needs to be addressed, and increased use of online learning represents an opportunity to facilitate this. This study aimed to evaluate whether online learning can effectively deliver undergraduate ENT teaching.

METHODS

An online ENT module was created; content was structured on the Sheffield Medical School curriculum. Pre- and post-module tests and 5-point Likert scales were used to assess student knowledge and confidence, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 115 participants were recruited. Test scores improved by 29 per cent (p < 0.001) and confidence by 66 per cent. Anatomy and ENT conditions demonstrated significant improvement in confidence, with a lower confidence score for examination.

CONCLUSION

This study showed improved knowledge and confidence, whilst highlighting greater efficacy in content over practical skills teaching. Online learning is a validated educational tool; however, it should not be used as a replacement but as an adjunct to supplement learning.

How does participation in a voluntary prize exam affect medical students' knowledge and interest in ENT, plastic surgery, ophthalmology and dermatology?

BACKGROUND

Otolaryngology (ENT), plastic surgery, ophthalmology and dermatology are medical specialties which tend to receive less coverage in UK medical school curricula compared to larger, generalist specialties. As a result, there are fewer opportunities for medical students to learn and to cultivate an interest. There are numerous papers that report concerns about junior doctors' ability to manage conditions within these specialties, which may jeopardise patient safety. The aim of our pilot project was to increase medical students' interest and knowledge of ENT, plastic surgery, ophthalmology and dermatology. In addition to describing our project, we present and discuss literature on UK undergraduate education in these specialties and its impact on preparedness of junior doctors and future career choices.

METHODS

One hundred twelve final year medical students at Newcastle University were invited to take part in a voluntary two-part (written and clinical) exam, in which prizes could be won and all participants would receive a certificate of participation. We distributed two online surveys to the students, one administered before the exam and one afterwards. Data was collected regarding the students' motivation for entering the prize exam and the students' baseline interest and knowledge in these specialties before and after the prize exam. Free-text responses were collected about the students' opinion of the project and whether participation was beneficial.

RESULTS

Sixteen students participated in the exam. There was a statistically significant increase in the students' knowledge in ENT (p < 0.000), plastic surgery (p < 0.000), ophthalmology (p < 0.028) and dermatology (p < 0.012) after participation in the exam, but not in their interest levels. ENT was the preferred specialty of our cohort. The students reported that they found participation beneficial to their learning, particularly receiving exam feedback and explanations to exam questions.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot project was a useful intervention in increasing medical students' knowledge in these specialties, but not in their levels of interest. It also demonstrates that medical students are willing to participate in voluntary initiatives (in their spare time) to gain more learning opportunities and that medical students value timely exam feedback to guide their revision.

Gaps in Training: Misunderstandings of Airway Management in Medical Students and Internal Medicine Residents

Objectives

(1) Evaluate baseline airway knowledge of medical students (MSs) and internal medicine (IM) residents. (2) Improve MS and IM resident understanding of airway anatomy, general tracheostomy and laryngectomy care, and management of airway emergencies.

Methods

A before-and-after survey study was carried out over a single academic year. MS and IM resident knowledge was evaluated before and after an educational, grand rounds–style lecture reviewing airway anatomy, tracheostomy tube components, tracheostomy and laryngectomy care, and clinical vignettes. The primary outcome measure was change in pre- and postlecture survey scores.

Results

Prelecture surveys were completed by 90 participants, and 83 completed a postlecture assessment. Postlecture scores were statistically improved for all questions on the assessment ( P < .001). Level of training did not confer an improved pre- or postlecture survey score.

Discussion

While the majority of participants in our study had previously cared for patients with a tracheostomy or laryngectomy, less than half were able to correctly address basic airway emergencies. Senior IM residents were no more proficient than MSs in addressing airway emergencies. The lack of formal airway training places patients at risk with routine care and in emergencies, demonstrating the need for formal airway education for early medical trainees.

Implications for Practice

Our data demonstrate a serious gap in MS and IM resident knowledge with respect to emergent airway care in patients with tracheostomies and laryngectomies. An interdepartmental collaborative curriculum offers a realistic and potentially life-saving solution for medical trainees.

Do Medical Students Receive Adequate Otolaryngology Training? A Canadian Perspective

Objectives:

Otolaryngology—head and neck surgery (OHNS) training has been found to be underrepresented in medical school curricula. The study aimed to assess (i) students’ clinical OHNS exposure, (ii) their confidence managing OHNS conditions, and (iii) the correlation between OHNS exposure and confidence managing OHNS conditions.

Methods:

Fourth-year medical students at two Canadian Universities completed a survey assessing baseline characteristics, OHNS training, and confidence managing OHNS conditions.

Results:

Of 87 returned surveys, 46 students had no clinical OHNS exposure, while 29 felt there was adequate OHNS exposure. The majority of students lacked confidence recognizing conditions requiring emergent referral. Students with greater OHNS training had greater confidence managing OHNS conditions ( r = 0.267, P = .012).

Conclusion:

The majority of medical students have minimal OHNS exposure. Students with greater OHNS exposure have greater confidence managing OHNS conditions. A review of Canadian medical school curricula is warranted to ensure adequate OHNS exposure.

Using Didactics and Simulation to Enhance Comfort, Knowledge, and Skills of Nonsurgical Trainees Caring for Patients With Tracheostomy and Laryngectomy

INTRODUCTION

Management of tracheostomy and laryngectomy is an important skill for physicians who often care for patients with multiple, comorbid, chronic medical conditions. There is little published literature on training for tracheostomy and laryngectomy care during nonsurgical specialty residencies. This project was designed to assess and improve comfort with, knowledge of, proficiency in tracheostomy and laryngectomy care.

METHODS

This prospective observational study comprised 122 physician trainees from internal medicine, emergency medicine, and anesthesia training programs at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences participating in a simulation-based curriculum from April 2016 to December 2016. The curriculum included didactic session, hands-on experience performing a tracheostomy change, and practicing emergency scenarios on interactive, high-fidelity simulation mannequins. Preintervention and postintervention assessments of self-perceived comfort, objective knowledge, and tracheostomy change proficiency were performed and results compared.

RESULTS

Self-perceived comfort improved from a mean Likert score from 2.12 to 4.43 (P = 0.009). Knowledge mean scores improved from 57% to 82% (P < 0.001) on multiple-choice testing. Tracheostomy change proficiency mean scores improved from 41% to 84% (P < 0.001) of proficiencies correctly performed. Six-month follow-up assessment of comfort and knowledge showed statistically significant retention of comfort (P = 0.002) and knowledge (P = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive tracheostomy and laryngectomy education, which combines enhancement of knowledge with simulation of both routine and emergent aspects of care, is an effective strategy in improving confidence with, knowledge of, proficiency in tracheostomy and laryngectomy care. Retention of confidence and knowledge was demonstrated 6 months later.

Education, counseling, support groups, and provider knowledge of total laryngectomy: The patient's perspective

PURPOSE

Studies over a 40 year period have reported inadequate education and counseling for persons with laryngectomy; however, several long-term trends, including centralization of laryngectomy surgeries in major teaching hospitals, the rise of the internet, and the increased use of the tracheoesophageal prosthesis (TEP) for voice all have the potential to improve this situation. This study investigated if persons with total laryngectomy reported receiving adequate education and counseling before and after their laryngectomy, and how this varied by gender, geographic setting, communication method, and time. It also examined who participated in in-person and online support groups, and what health care providers and settings are perceived as most knowledgeable about laryngectomy.

METHODS

This research was a cross-sectional study, with 200 participants meeting the inclusion criteria. Results were analyzed via descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square test, McNemar's test, Fisher's exact test, and one-way ANOVA with post-hoc analysis.

RESULTS

About half of persons with total laryngectomy reported receiving adequate education and counseling pre- and post-surgery, with men being more likely to report adequate education than women, and persons using a TEP for voice more likely to report adequate education than persons using alternate communication methods. Most participants (71%) participated in support groups, with women more likely to participate than men. Participants in rural areas were less likely to participate in in-person support groups than those from suburban or urban areas. Participants using a TEP as a communication method were more likely to participate in in-person support groups than those using other communication methods. Doctors, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), the internet, and support groups were highly rated sources of information. Among health-care providers, ENTs and SLPs were rated as the most knowledgeable, and primary-care physicians, dentists, and emergency medical technicians the least.

CONCLUSIONS

There continues to be a need for adequate education and counseling both before and after surgery. This education and counseling may need to continue for months or years post-surgery, due to the traumatic nature of the laryngectomy procedure. Doctors and SLPs can play a leading part in providing education and counseling, and with other health professions and in-person and online support groups also having a role to play. Frontline health care providers are perceived as having low knowledge of laryngectomy.

Assessment of Tracheostomy and Laryngectomy Knowledge among Non-Otolaryngology Physicians

Objective:

Identify knowledge deficits about alternate airways (AAs) (tracheostomy and laryngectomy) among physicians across multiple specialties a tertiary institution and to assess the impact of an educational lecture on improving deficits.

Methods:

Study Design: Cross-sectional assessment. Setting: Academic medical center. Subjects and Methods: An anonymous 10-item, multiple choice assessment was given to physicians at a tertiary care center in the departments of Otolaryngology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics. An educational lecture on AAs was presented. Scores between a pre-lecture and a 3-month post-lecture assessment were compared. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and chi-squared analysis.

Results:

Otolaryngology physicians scored an average of 97.8%, while non-otolaryngology physicians scored 58.3% ( P < .05). Non-otolaryngology surgical physicians scored 68.4% while non-surgical physicians were lower at 55.1% ( P < .0001). Comparing pre-lecture to post-lecture scores, all non-otolaryngology physicians improved their scores significantly from 58.3% to 86.5% ( P < .005). Non-surgical physicians had significant improvement after the instructional lecture, closing the score gap with surgical physicians for the post-lecture assessment.

Discussion:

The care of patients with AAs requires an understanding of their basic principles. Our findings identify significant knowledge deficits among non-otolaryngologists. Through an instructional lecture, we demonstrated improvement in knowledge among non-otolaryngology physicians and durability of the knowledge after 3 months.

Conclusions:

Through an instructional lecture, we found tracheostomy and laryngectomy knowledge deficits can be identified and improved upon. Periodic reinforcement of basic principles for non-otolaryngology physicians may be a promising strategy to ensure the proper care of patients with AAs.

Tracheostomy Care Education for the Nonsurgical First Responder: A Needs-Based Assessment and Quality Improvement Initiative

Objectives

To perform a needs-based assessment for tracheostomy care education for nonsurgical first responders in the hospital setting and to implement and assess the efficacy of a targeted tracheostomy educational program.

Methods

A prospective observational study conducted between October 2017 and May 2018 including emergency medicine (EM) residents, internal medicine (IM) residents, and intensive care unit (ICU) advanced practice providers at 2 tertiary hospitals. Needs-based assessments were conducted, leading to specialty specific curricula. One-hour educational sessions included didactics and case-based simulation. A pre- and posttest objective knowledge quiz and self-assessment were administered, and a posttest was repeated at 6 months.

Results

There were 85 participants (13 ICU, 40 EM, 32 IM). Significant improvement (P < .05) in mean objective knowledge score was seen across all groups between pre- and postintervention assessments with relative but not significant improvement at 6 months. There were significant increases in comfort level from pre- to postintervention. At 6-month follow-up, comfort level remained significantly increased for the majority of questions for the EM group and for select questions for IM and ICU advanced practice provider groups.

Discussion

Nonsurgeons are often first responders to critical airway situations yet receive limited formal education regarding tracheostomy. We demonstrated improvement in knowledge and comfort after a targeted educational module for tracheostomy care and management.

Implications for Practice

Although tracheostomy care is multidisciplinary, specialty-specific education may provide a more relevant foundation on which to build skills. Prompt and effective management of tracheostomy emergencies by first responders may improve patient safety and reduce mortality.

Emergency front-of-neck airway by ENT surgeons and residents: A dutch national survey

Objectives

ENT surgeons and anesthesiologists work closely together in managing challenging airway cases. Sharing knowledge, experiences, and expectations interdisciplinary is essential in order to facilitate decision‐making and adequate management in emergency front‐of‐neck airway cases.

Methods

A survey was performed, to analyze level of experience, technique of preference, training, knowledge of material and protocols, and self‐efficacy scores of Dutch ENT surgeons and residents in performing an urgent or emergency front‐of‐neck airway.

Results

Within one year (January 2014–2015), 25.7% of the 257 respondents had performed an urgent or emergency front‐of‐neck airway. Of all reported emergency front‐of‐neck airways (N = 30), 80% were managed by tracheotomy. In future emergency front‐of‐neck airway cases, 74% stated cricothyrotomy would be their technique of preference. The majority would choose an uncuffed large‐bore cannula technique. Post‐academic hands‐on training was attended by 42% of respondents. Self‐efficacy scores were highest for surgical tracheotomy, and higher when trained or experienced. In case of an emergency scenario, 8.6% would not perform a front‐of‐neck airway themselves. The main reasons for reluctance to start in general were lack of experience and lack of training. Reported items for improvement were mainly the development of a protocol and training.

Conclusion

The chance of encountering an airway emergency scenario requiring front‐of‐neck airway is realistic. There is inconsistency between advised technique, technique of preference and technique actually performed by ENT surgeons. This study shows that there is both a need and desire for improvement in training and organization of care. Interdisciplinary guidelines and education is needed and could eventually safe lives.

Level of evidence

5

Hands-on Pulmonary Curriculum: Interactive Learning Sessions on Oxygen Delivery, Spirometry, Positive Airway Pressure Devices, Tracheostomy, and Thoracostomy Tubes

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary equipment has become ubiquitous in clinical care. Basic device troubleshooting and mechanical manipulation skills are crucial to the practicing physician yet are frequently neglected in standard pulmonary curricula.

METHODS

We developed a hands-on pulmonary curriculum for medical residents and students, focusing on oxygen delivery, spirometry, positive airway pressure devices, thoracostomy, and tracheostomy knowledge. The curriculum, consisting of five 1-hour sessions, offers hands-on experience with basic pulmonary equipment relevant to the ICU and/or pulmonary clinic. Each session is led by a pulmonologist or critical care facilitator and designed for a learning audience of 10-15 internal medicine trainees and medical students. More than 11 sessions have been conducted since curriculum implementation.

RESULTS

Voluntary, immediate, pre- and postsession surveys assessed objective subject knowledge, perceived subject understanding, and perceived effectiveness of this hands-on format versus a conventional lecture style. A total of 52 learners returned surveys. Aggregate responses demonstrated that these sessions were typically the first formal training learners had received in these subject areas. Subject knowledge and perceived level of subject understanding both improved, and respondents reported the hands-on style of teaching was more effective than conventional lecture format.

DISCUSSION

Focused on practical knowledge, this pulmonary hands-on curriculum addresses a knowledge gap for medical trainees, has been enthusiastically received by trainees, and provides a useful resource for faculty wishing to teach about these devices.

Trends in Otolaryngology Consultation Patterns at an Academic Quaternary Care Center

Importance

The consultation patterns of an otolaryngology-head and neck surgery service have not previously been reported. The time, resources, and attention required to operate such a consultation service are unknown.

Objective

To assess trends in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery consultations conducted in emergency departments (EDs) and inpatient services.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective analysis was conducted of the medical records of patients at a quaternary care center receiving inpatient otolaryngology consultations from January 1 to December 31, 2014.

Exposure

Clinical evaluation and bedside and operative procedures performed by the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery service.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Demographics, reason for consultation, diagnosis, bedside procedures, operative interventions, and admission variables.

Results

A total of 1491 consultations were completed for adult (1091 [73.2%]; 854 men and 637 women; mean [SD] age 50.3 [19.3] years) and pediatric (400 [26.8%]; 232 boys and 168 girls; mean [SD] age, 4.0 [5.2] years) patients. Of the 1491 consultations, 766 (51.4%) originated from inpatient teams vs 725 (48.6%) from the ED. A total of 995 of all consultations (66.7%) resulted in a bedside procedure, and 243 (16.3%) required operative intervention. Consultations regarding airway evaluation (362 [47.3%] vs 143 [19.7%]), management of epistaxis (78 [10.2%] vs 33 [4.6%]), and rhinologic evaluation (79 [10.3%] vs 18 [2.5%]) were more frequent from inpatient teams than from the ED. Consultations regarding management of head and neck infections (162 [22.3%] vs 32 [4.2%]), facial trauma (235 [32.4%] vs 16 [2.1%]), and postoperative complications (73 [10.1%] vs 2 [0.3%]) were more frequent in the ED. Of the 725 consultations performed in the ED, 212 patients (29.2%) required hospitalization.

Conclusions and Relevance

The consultation volume of an otolaryngology-head and neck surgery service requires significant time and resources. Consultations are most often for rhinologic or laryngologic issues and are reflective of the clinical setting in which the patient is evaluated. Cost savings may be realized by increasing health care access points for nonurgent concerns that can be evaluated in an outpatient setting.

Validation of a new ENT emergencies course for first-on-call doctors

BACKGROUND

First-on-call ENT cover is often provided by junior doctors with limited ENT experience; yet, they may have to manage life-threatening emergencies. An intensive 1-day simulation course was developed to teach required skills to junior doctors.

METHODS

A prospective, single-blinded design was used. Thirty-seven participants rated their confidence before the course, immediately following the course and after a two-month interval. Blinded assessors scored participant performance in two video-recorded simulated scenarios before and after the course.

RESULTS

Participant self-rated confidence was increased in the end-of-course survey (score of 27.5 vs 53.0; p < 0.0001), and this was maintained two to four months after the course (score of 50.5; p < 0.0001). Patient assessment and management in video-recorded emergency scenarios was significantly improved following course completion (score of 9.75 vs 18.75; p = 0.0093).

CONCLUSION

This course represents an effective method of teaching ENT emergency management to junior doctors. ENT induction programmes benefit from the incorporation of a simulation component.