The otolaryngology, head and neck training appraisal questionnaire: a national general practice perspective

Abstract

Diseases of the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) make up a considerable proportion of the everyday workload of general practitioners (GPs). It is recognized that ENT makes up a very small part of the undergraduate curriculum, but some post-graduate training schemes are now offering placements in Otolaryngology. The aim of the study was to examine a perceived knowledge 'gap' of GPs in the area of Otolaryngology. A postal questionnaire was sent to 1,000 GPs distributed evenly throughout the country. There was a 47.3 % response rate; 72 % of GPs felt that they would see at least three or more children with a relevant ENT problem each day. Almost 70 % of GPs had less than a month exposure to ENT in medical school and 84 % of GPs felt that further emphasis was required at the undergraduate level. Twenty-one per cent of GPs surveyed had spent some time in Postgraduate ENT training. Ninety-one per cent of GPs agreed that further emphasis on ENT training was required at the Postgraduate level. General Practitioners feel that increased importance should be placed on the study of Otolaryngology at both undergraduate and Postgraduate level.