Academic Otolaryngology Research Articles

Opioid prescribing practices in academic otolaryngology: A single institutional survey

ObjectivesOpioids are highly addictive medications and otolaryngologists have a responsibility to practice opioid stewardship. We investigated postoperative opioid prescribing patterns among resident and attending physicians as an educational platform to underscore the importance of conscientious opioid prescribing. MethodsThis quality improvement study was designed as a cross-sectional electronic survey. Residents and attending clinical faculty members at a single academic institution were queried from February through April 2020. An electronic survey was distributed to capture postoperative opioid prescribing patterns after common procedures. At the conclusion of the study, results were sent to all faculty and residents. ResultsA total of 29 attending otolaryngologists and 22 residents completed the survey. Resident physicians prescribed on average fewer postoperative opioid pills than attendings. Among attendings, the largest number of opioids were prescribed following tonsillectomy (dose varied by patient age), neck dissection (12.6 pills), brow lift (13.3 pills), facelift (13.3 pills), and open reduction of facial trauma (10.7 pills). For residents, surgeries with the most postoperatively prescribed opioids were for tonsillectomy (varied by patient age), neck dissection (13.4 pills), open reduction of facial trauma (10.5 pills), parotidectomy (10.0 pills), and thyroid/parathyroidectomy (9.0 pills). The largest volume of postoperative opioids for both groups was prescribed following tonsillectomy. Attendings prescribed significantly more opioids after facelift and brow lift than did residents (p = 0.01 and p = 0.003, respectively). ConclusionThere was good concordance between resident and attending prescribers. Improvement in opioid prescribing and pain management should be an essential component of otolaryngology residency education and attending continuing medical education.Level of evidence: 4.

Publicly Reported Patient Satisfaction Scores in Academic Otolaryngology Departments.

Despite controversy regarding their impact and validity, there is a rising national focus on patient satisfaction scores (PSS). We describe the landscape of online PSS as posted by academic otolaryngology practices. Retrospective cross-sectional study. Websites of academic otolaryngology programs were reviewed for PSS scores, provider type, and geographic location. Gender was determined by picture or profile pronouns. Years of experience were determined by year of initial American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery certification. We defined PSS derived from Press-Ganey or Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems surveys as "standardized PSS". We determined potential associations between provider characteristics and standardized PSS. Out of 115 Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery academic programs, 40 (35%) posted a total of 64,638 online PSS surveys (nonstandardized plus standardized) of 507 unique otolaryngology care providers. Standardized PSS were posted for 473 providers (370 [78%] male; 446 physicians; 27 advanced practice providers). Median overall standardized PSS was 4.8 (interquartile range 4.7-4.9; range 3.8-5.0). PSS were similar between gender, provider type, and years of experience. Male providers had more surveys than female providers (149 vs. 93; P< .01). There was a linear relationship between number of surveys and years of experience (P< .01), but no relationship between number of surveys and overall standardized PSS. Patient satisfaction with otolaryngology providers at academic institutions is consistently high, as demonstrated by high online PSS with little variability. The limited variation in PSS may limit their usefulness in differentiating providers and quality of care. NA Laryngoscope, 131:2204-2210, 2021.

Telemedicine lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic: The augmented outpatient otolaryngology teleconsultation

PurposeTelemedicine use in otolaryngology waxed and waned during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in the U.S. Assessing the patterns of telemedicine use and its perceived limitations during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 allows identification and correction of impediments to consistent telemedicine use by otolaryngologists. Materials and methodsFull-time faculty of 2 academic otolaryngology departments in New York City were surveyed regarding their telemedicine use from March through August 2020 during the “first wave” of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on these findings, a method of “augmented outpatient otolaryngology teleconsultation” designed to enhance the quality of the physical examination was developed and employed from August to December 2020. Patients receiving this augmented teleconsult were anonymously surveyed about their telemedical experience. ResultsTelemedicine use by faculty was minimal prior to the pandemic, but as total outpatient volume decreased 65–84% across subspecialties, it was used by all otolaryngologists during COVID-19. Physicians were less confident in making a telemedical diagnosis at all phases of the study in all subspecialties. Patients who had an augmented otolaryngology teleconsultation were satisfied with it, believed it facilitated earlier care, limited the time and cost of travel to the physician's office and felt their physician was able to perform a sufficient physical examination. ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 crisis, physicians utilized teleotolaryngology to provide care but were less satisfied with their ability to make an accurate diagnosis. Inexpensive direct-to-consumer digital otoscopes can improve the quality of the physical examination provided and can address both patient and physician needs.

Minimum fascia tumor distance for selection of extracapsular dissection for benign parotid tumors: A preliminary study.

There is increasing literature supporting the use of extracapsular dissection (ECD) for the treatment of select superficial lobe parotid tumors, though no objective criteria for selection has been proposed. Prior studies have suggested the minimum distance between the parotideomasseteric fascia and the tumor edge or minimum fascia-tumor distance (MFTD) as a useful measurement for the identification of superficial parotid tumors. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the utility of the minimum fascia-tumor distance in selecting candidates for extracapsular dissection of benign parotid tumors. This is a retrospective case-control study at a tertiary academic otolaryngology clinic. Twenty-three patients with prior surgical excision of benign parotid tumors that underwent surgeon-performed ultrasonography prior to excision of tumor were identified. Ultrasound images were reviewed and the minimum fascia-tumor distance was recorded and categorized by less than 3mm or as 3mm or greater. The primary outcome was successful completion of extracapsular dissection versus more extensive resection. Thirteen patients had a minimum fascia-tumor distance less than 3mm; eleven of thirteen (84.6%) successfully underwent extracapsular dissection. Ten patients had a minimum fascia-tumor distance of 3mm or greater; one of ten (10%) successfully underwent extracapsular dissection. A minimum fascia-tumor distance less than 3mm was sensitive, specific, and accurate in predicting successful ECD at 91.7%, 81.8%, and 87.0% respectively (OR 49.5, 95% CI 3.4-573.2). Minimum fascia-tumor distance may be a useful measurement in identifying candidates for removal of benign parotid tumors with extracapsular dissection.

The role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for preoperative pediatric cochlear implantation work-up in academic institutions

Objective The goal of the study is to investigate the association of pertinent preoperative temporal bone computed tomography (CT) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results and intraoperative surgical findings and complications of pediatric cochlear implantation reported in academic settings. Methods This is a retrospective review of cochlear implant patients who received a pre-operative temporal bone CT and MRI of the brain between 2005 and 2012 at academic pediatric otolaryngology practices within children’s hospitals in the United States and France. Scans were reviewed in a double-blind fashion and compared to intraoperative findings. Results 91 children were analyzed (mean age 5.54 +/− 0.58 years). A small facial recess identified on CT was associated with difficult insertion of electrodes (P = 0.0003). A prominent sigmoid sinus noted on CT was associated of difficult insertion of electrodes (P = 0.01), iatrogenic tegmen dehiscence (P = 0.005), as well as difficult round window access (P = 0.025). No specific CT finding was found to be associated with external auditory canal injury, perilymphatic gusher, or iatrogenic facial nerve injury. MRI brain and internal auditory canal findings were not predictive of surgical outcomes. Conclusions Preoperative CT and MRI remain an important planning tool for pediatric cochlear implantation, particularly in academic institutions. The findings of our study demonstrate that a detailed assessment of both preoperative CT and MRI are valuable for teaching and surgical planning.

Prevalence of and Associations With Distress and Professional Burnout Among Otolaryngologists: Part II, Attending Physicians.

To ascertain the prevalence of and associations with distress and professional burnout among academic otolaryngology attending physicians. Cross-sectional survey. Twelve US academic otolaryngology programs. A questionnaire was administered that encompassed sociodemographic and professional features, the Expanded Physician Well-being Index for distress, the 2-item Maslach Burnout Inventory for professional burnout, the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 screen for major depressive disorder, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 screen for generalized anxiety disorder. The survey response rate was 56% and included 186 attending physicians. The average respondent age was 47 years; 72% were men; 93% were married or partnered; and 86% had children. Distress was present in 40%, professional burnout in 26%, positive depression screening in 8%, and positive anxiety screening in 11%. In a univariable setting, age, hours worked in a typical week, nights on call in a typical week, and years of practice were significantly associated with distress, although in a multivariable setting, only hours worked in a typical week remained significantly associated with a positive Expanded Physician Well-being Index screen (odds ratio for each 10-hour increase, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.73-3.93; P < .001). In a univariable setting, hours worked in a typical week was significantly associated with a positive Maslach Burnout Inventory screen. Distress or professional burnout occurs in more than a quarter of academic otolaryngology attending physicians, whereas the prevalence of depression or anxiety is approximately 10%. The number of hours worked per week had the strongest association with distress and burnout. These findings may be used to develop and implement programs to promote physician well-being and mitigate professional burnout.

Impact of a specialty trained billing team on an academic otolaryngology practice

To determine how the incorporation of specialty specific training for coders within a focused billing team affected revenue, efficiency, time to reimbursement, and physician satisfaction in an academic otolaryngology practice. Our academic otolaryngology department recently implemented a new billing system, which incorporated additional training in otolaryngology surgical procedures for medical coders. A mixed model analysis of variance was used to compare billing outcomes for the 6months before and 6months after this new approach was initiated. The following metrics were analyzed: Current Procedural Terminology codes, total charges, time between services rendered and billing submission, and time to reimbursement. A survey of department physicians assessing satisfaction with the system was reviewed. There were 4087 Current Procedural Terminology codes included in the analysis. In comparing the periods before and after implementation of the new system, statistically significant decreases were found in the mean number of days to coding completion (19.3 to 12.0, respectively, p<0.001), days to posting of charges (27.0 to 15.2, p<0.001), days to final reimbursement (54.5 to 27.2, p<0.001), and days to closure of form (179.2 to 76.6, p<0.001). Physician satisfaction with communication and coder feedback increased from 36% to 64% after initiation of the new program. The implementation of additional specialty training for medical coders in the otolaryngology department of a large medical system was associated with improved revenue cycle efficiency. Additionally, this model appears to improve physician satisfaction and confidence with the coding system.

Establishing an Office-Based Framework for Resuming Otolaryngology Care in Academic Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 health crisis abruptly disrupted the practice of otolaryngology. This article aims to define the changes needed to operate an academic otolaryngology practice safely and efficiently from within the epicenter of the pandemic. We define the areas of normal patient workflow that have been affected by COVID-19, and we offer mitigation strategies with attention paid to the specific needs of subspecialties. The article includes data specific to the office practice metrics of the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, as well as publically available data from New York Presbyterian Hospital system and the New York Times. Expert opinion. Through careful planning and execution, it is possible to reestablish safe otolaryngologic patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will require a significant change from prior practice models for successful implementation. Additionally, telemedicine can be positively integrated into the treatment of otolaryngology diseases for new and established patients. The information conveyed in this review can be used as a guide by large and small otolaryngology groups to identify aspects of the patient visit that are "at risk" due to COVID-19, and it suggests sensible responses that can be made without a significant disruption to normal practice. The methods used to identify vulnerabilities with the patient visit process can be applied to future unforeseen crises, such as a resurgence of COVID-19 or a novel pandemic.

Gender Representation at Conferences, Executive Boards, and Program Committees in Otolaryngology.

Women represent approximately 28.0% of academic otolaryngologists. Previous studies have shown that women in academic medicine, including surgical subspecialties, have disparate career advancement opportunities and grant funding compared to male counterparts. Representation at major academic meetings is an important career advancement opportunity. In this study, we assess the representation of women at otolaryngology conferences. Cross-sectional analysis of otolaryngology conference programs. All publicly available scientific programs from The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Annual Meeting (AAO-HNSF), the Triological Society Annual Combined Sections Meeting (TS), and the Triological Society Annual Meeting at Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings (TS-COSM) were obtained and analyzed. Name and gender were collected, along with the type of role: speaker, panelist, oral session moderator, and other leadership positions. Yearly trends were analyzed and compared between the conferences and in aggregate. AAO-HNSF had available scientific programs from 2012-2017, while TS and TS-COSM had programs available from 2003-2018. Across all conferences and years, 16.9% of recorded opportunities were occupied by women, with an upward trend from 2005 to 2018. Program committees had the highest proportion of women (21.4%) and presidential citation and guest of honor recipients had the lowest (9.1%). Of all panels, 87.5% did not have any women panelists in 2003, but by 2018 only 24.0% panels were male-only. There was marked repetition among women occupying roles, with only 423 unique women occupying a total of 1,733 filled spots. Measured representation of women in academic otolaryngology conferences has improved from 2003-2018. Despite this improvement, gender disparity still exists. 5 Laryngoscope, 131:E373-E379, 2021.

Snapshot Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Wellness in Nonphysician Otolaryngology Health Care Workers: A National Study.

ObjectiveNonphysician health care workers are involved in high-risk patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic, placing them at high risk of mental health burden. The mental health impact of COVID-19 in this crucial population has not been studied thus far. Thus, the objective of this study is to assess the psychosocial well-being of these providers.Study DesignNational cross-sectional online survey (no control group).SettingAcademic otolaryngology programs in the United States.Subjects and MethodsWe distributed a survey to nonphysician health care workers in otolaryngology departments across the United States. The survey incorporated a variety of validated mental health assessment tools to measure participant burnout (Mini-Z assessment), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7), distress (Impact of Event Scale), and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire–2). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictive factors associated with these mental health outcomes.ResultsWe received 347 survey responses: 248 (71.5%) nurses, 63 (18.2%) administrative staff, and 36 (10.4%) advanced practice providers. A total of 104 (30.0%) respondents reported symptoms of burnout; 241 (69.5%), symptoms of anxiety; 292 (84.1%), symptoms of at least mild distress; and 79 (22.8%), symptoms of depression. Upon further analysis, development of these symptoms was associated with factors such as occupation, practice setting, and case load.ConclusionFrontline otolaryngology health care providers exhibit high rates of mental health complications, particularly anxiety and distress, in the wake of COVID-19. Adequate support systems must be put into place to address these issues.

Validation of an Objective Assessment Tool for Tonsillectomy in Otolaryngology Resident Training.

Create and validate an objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) for otolaryngology residents learning how to perform a tonsillectomy. Multicenter prospective longitudinal validation study. A multi-institutional study at six tertiary academic otolaryngology residency programs from July 2009 to May 2012. Using the modified Delphi technique, a panel of pediatric otolaryngologists created a tonsillectomy task-based checklist (TBC) for a tonsil OSATS using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Residents were assessed by pediatric otolaryngology staff at the time of surgery with the TBC and a global rating scale. Procedure time, patient age, number of previously performed tonsillectomies, and surgical technique were also collected. One hundred sixty-seven tonsil OSATS were completed for 38 residents, and competency was recorded for 99 (59.2%). Residents scored as competent had performed significantly more previous tonsillectomies than those deemed noncompetent, 44.4 ± 35.6 and 13.5 ± 11.6, respectively (P < .001). The mean overall score on the tonsil TBC was 4.0 ± 0.8 and 2.6 ± 1.0 for competent and noncompetent, respectively (P < .001). Higher number of tonsillectomies performed and mean tonsil TBC score significantly increased the likelihood of competency (P < .001). Each additional tonsillectomy performed increased the likelihood of achieving competency by 6.3% (P = .006, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.330-1.110), and each 1.0 point increase in mean tonsil TBC score increased the likelihood of competency by a factor of 2.71 (P = .006, 95% CI:1.330-5.513). There is a 95% likelihood of competency at 48 tonsillectomies or a tonsil TBC score of 4.91. The tonsil OSATS is a valid and feasible instrument to assess resident competency with tonsillectomy and provides timely objective feedback. 4. Laryngoscope, 131:E359-E366, 2021.

Diversity in Academic Otolaryngology: An Update and Recommendations for Moving From Words to Action.

(1) To investigate the state of diversity and inclusion initiatives in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) as compared to general surgery and (2) assess their effects on female representation in these programs. The websites of OHNS residency programs, general surgery residency programs, and their associated academic medical institutions were indexed for content related to diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives. Gender data were gathered and used as a proxy for identity diversity. All programs surveyed (N = 198) have D&I programs at the institutional level and have an office of D&I (or equivalent program). However, only 18% of general surgery programs and 19% of otolaryngology programs have additional department-level D&I initiatives. There was an increase in the proportion of female residents across all residency programs if the program mentioned D&I on their website (44% vs 38%, P = .004) and if the program reported a D&I initiative (45% vs 38%, P < .001). Despite the ACGME's recent emphasis on the importance of recruiting and retaining a diverse physician workforce, the minority of otolaryngology residency programs advertise any concerted, department-level efforts toward increasing D&I at their residency program. General surgery programs have a significantly higher proportion of female department chairs and higher mean proportion of female residents when compared to OHNS. Programs that mention the diversity of their residents or faculty on the program website and programs with their own D&I initiatives have a higher mean proportion of female residents.

Effect of COVID-19 in selecting otolaryngology as a specialty.

Coronavirus disease 2019 has undoubtedly impacted the health care system while causing lasting and profound implications for medical education. Senior medical students seeking exposure to the field of otolaryngology now find themselves in the challenging position of obtaining the experiences to make an informed decision on a future specialty. Virtual electives using comprehensive online material, discussion, and videos as well as the advent of telemedicine may be potential solutions to increase exposure to otolaryngology. While incorporating opportunities for authentic patient interactions is still a challenge, it is crucial that the academic otolaryngology community prioritize seeking solutions for interested medical students.

Upholding the Tripartite Mission in Times of Crisis: Purpose and Perseverance in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Academic otolaryngology has historically comprised a tripartite mission of research, education, and clinical care. This mission is greatly strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research laboratories are fallow, surgical cases are deferred, and clerkships are canceled. Otolaryngologists are adapting to new circumstances ranging from virtual patient care to urgent procedures in protective gear to deployment to provisional field hospitals. Amid these operational challenges, the specialty is demonstrating extraordinary resilience and grit, discovering new ways to serve learners, colleagues, and communities. Statements from leaders in otolaryngology reveal selfless acts and purposefulness. Necessity has spurred innovation in education, science, and novel models of care. Paragons strike notes of hope, inspiring us to persevere and serve. This commentary explores the present challenges and offers a vision for upholding the academic mission.

Nasal Skin and Soft Tissue Thickness Variation Among Differing Races and Ethnicities: An Objective Radiographic Analysis.

Importance: Nasal skin and soft tissue envelope (SSTE) thickness has considerable effects on procedural planning and postoperative outcomes in rhinoplasty surgery. Objective understanding of relative SSTE thickness in patients is essential to optimal outcomes in rhinoplasty, and knowledge of its variation by demographic group is of aid to surgeons. Objective: To measure and compare nasal SSTE thickness across different races and nasal subsites and to determine whether objective variability exists for these parameters. Design, Setting, Participants: Retrospective cross-sectional radiographic analysis was carried out on 200 adult patients, without nasal deformity, presenting to an academic otolaryngology clinic at a tertiary care academic referral center. Blinded evaluators measured nasal SSTE thickness at six sites on maxillofacial computed tomography (CT) scans and comparisons were made based on patient-reported race/ethnicity categories available in the electronic medical record. Intervention: N/A Main Outcomes and Measures: Nasal SSTE thickness was measured at six predefined anatomic sites using high-resolution CT imaging. Statistical comparisons between races/ethnicities were made based on these measurements. Results: Mean age of patients was 48.8 years, and 47% were male. Nasal SSTE showed thicker soft tissue at the sellion in Latin American (LA; mean (SD) 6.1 (1.8) mm) and white (5.8 (1.8) mm) patients vs. African American (AfA) and Asian American (AsA) patients. The supratip was thicker in AfA patients (5.2 (1.3) mm) vs. all other races. The tip SSTE was thinner in white patients (2.4 (0.7) mm) vs. all other races. Composite nasal SSTE thickness was thinner in AsA patients (3.22 (0.8) mm) relative to AfA and LA patients. Conclusions and Relevance: SSTE thickness influences surgical planning and postoperative outcomes in rhinoplasty patients. This study supports varied thickness of the nasal SSTE among patients of different races. These data are foundational in providing a framework for developing treatment strategies specific to the SSTE properties of a multicultural patient population.

The Impact of Medical Scribes on Patient Satisfaction in an Academic Otolaryngology Clinic.

Evidence shows that scribes can improve provider efficiency and satisfaction in several settings, but is mixed on whether scribes improve patient satisfaction. We studied whether scribes improved patient satisfaction in an academic otolaryngology clinic. The authors performed a retrospective review of patient responses to the Press Ganey survey between 12/2016 and 12/2017. Their responses about satisfaction with the provider and wait times were examined. Three providers worked with scribes during this year; each spent six months with a scribe and six without. The authors compared survey responses from periods with and without scribes using the Fischer exact test. Average overall provider ratings were compared using the Student's t-test. A total of 87 patients filled out Press Ganey surveys for the 3 providers over the year: 54 for visits without scribes, and 33 for visits with scribes. Fischer exact analysis demonstrated no significant difference in satisfaction with providers and wait times for both individual providers and all providers combined (all P > .05). There was also no difference in patients' likelihood of recommending the provider's office (P = .91). Overall provider rating (0-10 scale) was high without scribes (9.48 ± 1.06) and was unchanged by the presence of scribes (9.53 ± 0.8) (P = .97). Patient satisfaction with wait times and providers was high overall and was not affected by the presence of a medical scribe.

Satisfaction in Academic Otolaryngology: Do Physician Demographics Impact Press Ganey Survey Scores?

Patient satisfaction is increasingly emphasized and measured in healthcare delivery. However, patient satisfaction is multifactorial and difficult to comprehensively assess. The objective of this study was to assess for correlation between patient satisfaction measured by Press Ganey surveys (PGS) and physician demographics of gender, years in practice, academic rank, and specialty in academic otolaryngology. Review of publicly available PGS scores in academic otolaryngology practice. Public websites of academic otolaryngology departments were assessed for inclusion of PGS scores. Individual physician profiles were queried for years in practice, academic rank, and specialty. Gender was determined by picture or profile pronouns. Univariate and multivariate analyses compared PGS scores with studied variables. Forty-seven of 113 (42.8%) academic practices publicly reported physician PGS score. Of 1,360 affiliated otolaryngologists, 742 (54.6%,592 male:150 female) revealed PGS scores. Average PGS score for male and female providers was equivalent (PGS = 4.73, P = .84). There was no significant difference in PGS scores by academic rank (P = .28). A weak statistically significant decrease in mean PGS scores was associated with longer duration of practice (r = -0.11, P = .018). Head and neck oncologic surgeons had higher mean PGS score in comparison to other specialties (PGS = 4.81, P < .05). General/comprehensive otolaryngologists had lower average PGS score (PGS = 4.66) in comparison to specialists (P < .05). Physician gender and academic rank do not correlate with patient satisfaction in academic otolaryngology as measured by publicly reported PGS scores. Head and neck oncology is rated more highly than other specialties, and physicians in practice for longer demonstrate decreased PGS scores. With PGS scores tied to physician evaluation and reimbursement, investigation into the generalizability of PGS in otolaryngology is warranted. NA Laryngoscope, 130: 1902-1906, 2020.

Female Representation in Otolaryngology Leadership Roles.

Characterization of leadership within otolaryngology is key to evaluating trends and promoting program advancement. This study evaluates representation of women in otolaryngology holding residency and fellowship directorships, or chair positions, comparing sex differences in academic rank, years in practice, and scholarly activity. Cross sectional analysis. A comprehensive list of otolaryngology residency and fellowship directors from Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited programs in 2017 to 2018 was compiled. Academic rank and years in practice were determined from departmental websites, with online search tools used as secondary resources. The h-index was utilized as a measure of research productivity. Regression analysis was performed to analyze these variables. Among the 306 directorships, women held 57 (18.6%) of these positions, 27 (26.5%) residency and 30 (14.7%) fellowship directorships. Of the 99 chair positions, five (5.1%) were held by women. The majority (53.6%) of male directors were full professors, whereas only 26.3% of females were full professors (P = .04). Mean years in practice for female directors (13.9 ± 6.8) was less than that of male directors (20.3 ± 9.4, P < .0001). Similarly, mean h-index for female directors (11 ± 7.2) was lower than for males (17.5 ± 12.5, P = .0001). After controlling for academic rank and years of practice in a multivariable regression, the h-index remained lower for women than for men (P = .03). Women are disproportionately underrepresented in positions of residency and fellowship directorships, and chair positions, consistent with other specialties. Women in leadership had lower academic ranks, fewer years of practice, and lower h-indices than their male counterparts. This may represent a shift in academic otolaryngology as female otolaryngologists seek early involvement in leadership. 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1664-1669, 2020.

EHealth Literacy in Otolaryngology Patients.

The aim of this study was to compare eHealth literacy-one's perception of one's ability to use the Internet for health care-among otolaryngology patients in 3 geographic settings of the same department. An academic otolaryngology department. Patients' opinions and perceptions of their eHealth literacy were assessed with a validated paper survey administered in the summer of 2017. Of 381 asked, 351 people completed the survey, 149 at a university town teaching hospital clinic (group A), 101 at a nearby rural clinic (group B), and 101 at a remote rural clinic (group C). Mean scores were 30.80, 28.97, and 29.03 for groups A, B, and C, respectively. The overall mean was 29.76 ± 5.97. Three surveys reported the minimum score of 8, and 26 reported the maximum score of 40. Results were statistically significantly different among all sites (P = .001), between groups A and B (P = .027), and between groups A and C (P = .0175). Women reported higher eHealth literacy (30.13 ± 6.27) than men (28.87 ± 5.11) (P = .045). Participant age and role (patient or parent of a patient) were statistically insignificant. Mean scores were similar to those previously reported in other patient populations. Otolaryngology patients in a university town had better eHealth literacy than patients in more rural settings, suggesting that online medical resources and access points are less likely to be useful in rural populations.

Surgical impact of a dedicated endocrine surgeon on an academic otolaryngology department.

Endocrine surgery is emerging as a dedicated subspecialty in otolaryngology. We assess the impact of an endocrine surgeon on an academic otolaryngology department's thyroid and parathyroid surgery volume. A retrospective study of overall endocrine caseloads and resident case logs at a single academic center in the Midwest was performed. All thyroid and parathyroid cases performed by the otolaryngology department at an academic center from 2011 to 2017 were reviewed. In September 2012, an otolaryngologist who had completed an American Head and Neck Society endocrine surgery fellowship joined the faculty. The volume of endocrine surgery performed by the residents was also analyzed. Comparison of means and linear regression models were performed. From 2011 to 2012, the department performed a mean of 77 thyroid and 11.5 parathyroid surgeries annually. After the endocrine surgeon joined the department, this increased to an average of 212.8 thyroidectomies (P < 0.01) and 72.4 parathyroidectomies (P < 0.01) a year. The head and neck surgeons and generalists still performed an average of 42.4 thyroidectomies and 2.6 parathyroidectomies a year. For graduating residents, the average number of thyroid/parathyroid cases increased from 42.5 in 2012 to 151 in 2016. The addition of a fellowship-trained endocrine surgeon substantially increased the thyroid and parathyroid surgical volume of the otolaryngology department. Importantly, generalists and head and neck surgeons in the department continued to perform a significant number of these cases. Departments seeking similar surgical growth and expanded resident experience may consider the value of engaging a dedicated endocrine surgeon. 4 Laryngoscope, 130:832-835, 2020.