Teaching arms and screens for microscope and fibreoptic nasendoscope: are they effective teaching devices and are we utilising them?

With training time for junior doctors now reduced, it is crucial to optimise training opportunities during elective clinical activities. Teaching ENT examination skills presents unique challenges as often, only the examiner can observe what's going on. We set out to explore the utilisation of microscope and nasendoscope teaching devices for ENT junior doctors. Telephonic survey of 102 English ENT units. ENT junior doctors spent an average of 7 h per week in elective ENT outpatient clinics. 92% of them felt that spending time in outpatient clinics helped improve their confidence in patients' management. 81% of ENT junior doctors stated that being able to observe others or being observed themselves would help to improve their clinical abilities. The availability and utilisation of nasendoscopy and microscopy teaching tools are currently suboptimal. Doctors working in departments that utilised the teaching tools stated that their educational needs were more likely to be met. Most ENT junior doctors found it beneficial to attend elective outpatient clinics although their learning needs were more likely to be met should ENT teaching devices be available. The availability and utilisation of ENT teaching devices are currently suboptimal and needs addressing.