Quality management in a postgraduate refresher course in otolaryngology

Abstract

Background: Residency training is often characterized by locally influenced training content and focus, which can lead to heterogeneous training outcomes. Refresher courses before the speciality certificate examinations can harmonize the situation. Objective: The current publication aims to present a quality management system for evaluation of a postgraduate refresher course for otolaryngology residents. Materials and methods: The teaching sessions of a postgraduate course were evaluated using questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis were performed. To evaluate the factors leading to a negative perception of a teaching session, the focus was set on the worst 15% of all total ratings. An exemplary strength/weakness profile of a lecturer was created for individual feedback. Results: Analysis of the evaluation results showed an overall average rating of 12.8 (±2.4) out of a maximum of 15 possible points. Multivariable regression determined the items “friendliness,” “systematic structure,” “own involvement,” “prior knowledge,” and “efficient teaching session” to be significant for a negative perception of a teaching session. Using the lecturer profile, the strengths and weaknesses of the individual lecturer can be shown in an objective manner. Conclusion: The developed questionnaire represents a good tool for quality management of a postgraduate refresher course for otolaryngology residents. This is achieved by regression analysis and creation of an individual lecturer profile, which provides an objective basis for improving the individual teaching session through detailed feedback to the lecturer.