National, Virtual Otolaryngology Training Day in the United Kingdom During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a Pilot Survey

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced an unprecedented worldwide change in our daily lives, particularly in healthcare. In response to the lockdown measure it has brought on, some deaneries cancelled planned teaching days, while others had delivered remote smaller scale teaching sessions electronically. Due to significant regional variation, the National Association of Program Directors in ENT (NAPDENT) set up a national educational program, matched to the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Program. This is delivered virtually and for free. This pilot survey evaluates participants’ learning experience of the first NAPDENT National Otology Training Day, which was held on 20 April 2020 via Zoom. This is a pilot survey evaluating the first online, national educational program delivered by the NAPDENT in the United Kingdom. In the times of the COVID-19 pandemic, our program has rapidly learnt from this initial experience and continues to build on lessons learnt for future editions. It is feasible to augment the national ENT curriculum with a collaborative, online teaching program. Regional buy-in is required to make this work. This modality allows for access to subject experts across the country. Synchronous delivery allows for participant interaction, while an online repository allows for asynchronous viewing when work or personal commitments do not allow live attendance. The key to participant engagement is adequate structure, appropriate breaks and opportunities for interaction. Even once the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, this teaching modality will remain as an opportunity to educate ENT surgeons of the future.