Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. To systematically identify and analyse all published literature relating to the provision of undergraduate education for preparedness in ear, nose and throat ENT surgery, as perceived by medical students and clinicians in the UK. The literature search was conducted from February to April Primary research or studies that report on the provision of undergraduate education for preparedness in ENT, from the perspective of medical students and clinicians in the UK.
The literature search was conducted by 2 independent reviewers. Search terms used involved the combination and variation of 5 key concepts, namely: medical student, clinician, ENT, undergraduate medical education and UK. Textual narrative synthesis was used for data analysis. A total of 7 studies were included in the final review.
A consistent finding in this review was that the majority of final year medical students and junior doctors did not feel adequately prepared to practise ENT. Important factors influencing preparedness in ENT included the duration of clinical rotations, the opportunity for hands-on learning and formal assessment.
The findings of this review suggest the need for further development of the ENT undergraduate curricula across the UK. However, there is insufficient evidence from which to draw strong conclusions; this in itself is beneficial as it highlights a gap in the existing literature and supports the need for primary research. The use of questionnaires to collect data in each study limited the opportunity for participants to express their perspectives.
Ear, nose and throat ENT is the third largest surgical specialty with related problems frequently encountered in a range of other disciplines including general practice and emergency medicine. According to the General Medical Council recommendations, the curriculum must help students to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviour needed for clinical practice.
