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Objectives: This study aimed to inventory current practical training from the surgical trainee point of view, identifying strengths and gaps in current training and potential tools to be developed.
Methodology: We conducted a broad national survey among ENT Belgian trainees from all universities in the country. The questions included self-assessment, training objectives, training quality, and training tools.
Results: Of 94 trainees contacted, the overall response rate was 59.5%. Of these, 35.7% evaluated their level of overall surgical competence at 3/5 compared to ideal mastery. More than half (55%) of respondents did not know the training objectives and 73% did not know the basic surgical procedures that a qualified ENT surgeon should be able to perform. The main mode of learning (41%) was the observation of a senior and repetition under supervision (companionship). The results showed mainly logistical and economic drawbacks that seem largely actionable using learning methods based on implementing organized training sessions, associated with different learning tools such as surgical and procedural simulation. Some of these are already available in Belgium but remain difficult to access or develop.
Conclusion: This study revealed real demand and motivation from trainees and could serve as a basis for a teaching scheme to improve skills and confidence of future surgeons. Additional studies are needed to identify the most effective ways for implementing this type of teaching within the constraints of the surgical curriculum and teaching hospital resources.