Citations 1
Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Training and Service Delivery: An International Survey
Nuss, Sarah , Nakku, Doreen , Pandey, Akansha, Elwell, Zachary , Fei‐Zhang, David J. , Srinivasan, Tarika , Patterson, Rolvix H. , Adeyemo, Adebolajo A. , Cherches, Alexander , Bangash, Ali Haider , Mukuzi, Allan, Petrucci, Beatriz, Mussa, Carolina Der, Pietrobon, Carolina, Waterworth, Christopher J. , Daudu, Davina , Cahill, Gabrielle , Sprow, Holly N. , Maina, Ivy W. , Wiedermann, Joshua P. , Xu, Mary Jue , Thapa, Nar Maya, Hapunda, Racheal , Okerosi, Samuel , Ibekwe, Titus , Alkire, Blake C., Salano, Valerie , Din, Taseer , Initiative, Global OHNS, Fei-Zhang, David , Fagan, Johannes J , Wiedermann, Joshua , Tamir, Sharon Ovnat , Cherches, Alexander D , Din, Taseer , Bangash, Ali Haider , Patterson, Rolvix H , Pandey, Akansha, Seguya, Amina , Kahinga, Aveline Aloyce , Mussa, Carolina Der, Shaye, David , Smith, Emily R. , Fagan, Johannes J. , Zalaquett, Nader , Thapa, Nar Maya, Initiative, Global OHNS
Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology | February 14, 2025 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 1 | Pages: No page available
ABSTRACTImportanceHighlighting the global disparities in otolaryngology training and, ultimately, service delivery, emphasizing the need for equitable access to training resources and programs.ObjectiveTo describe the relationship between the quality, content, and location of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery training and education and the resulting impact on the delivery of otolaryngology care globally.DesignAn online cross‐sectional survey to otolaryngologists, gathering information on their training and education experiences, and factors influencing their choice of training location and practice.SettingThe online survey was available in multiple languages, distributed via national and international professional otolaryngology societies, snowballing and social media.ParticipantsThe respondents were practicing otolaryngologists representing all seven World Health Organization regions.ExposuresWorld Bank income groups classification.Main Outcomes and MeasuresOur expected outcome was that subspecialty training and access to educational resources were significantly readily available to respondents from high‐income countries, leading to more confidence in performing complex procedures post training.ResultsA total of 91 participants were included in the analysis, with 47 (52%) practicing in high‐income countries and 44 (48%) in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Sixty‐one participants (67%) were male. Subspecialty training and access to educational resources were significantly less available in low‐ and middle‐income countries, leading to lower confidence among low‐ and middle‐income countries physicians in performing complex procedures. High‐income country respondents reported better access to diverse training resources and felt more prepared for a broader range of procedures.Conclusion and RelevanceSignificant disparities exist in OHNS training resources and subspecialty training opportunities between high‐ and low‐middle‐income countries. There is a critical need to integrate complementary training and educational modalities into local systems. Addressing the shortage of educational resources and promoting open‐access initiatives in low‐middle‐income countries are essential steps toward enhancing surgical education and improving global otolaryngology healthcare outcomes.