title: A randomized controlled trial of simulation-based training for ear, nose, and throat emergencies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Life-threatening ear, nose, and throat (ENT) emergencies are uncommon but require immediate skilled management. We investigated if traditional lecture-based teaching can be improved by a simulation and lecture hybrid approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two groups of interns with no previous ENT experience were randomized to one of two training groups: a simulation/lecture hybrid group or a lecture-only control group. Both groups received 90 minutes of training covering the assessment of critically ill patients and four ENT emergency topics. Both groups received the same initial lecture slides. The control group received additional slides, and the simulation group received simulated emergency scenario training using basic mannequins. Following the training, candidates were asked to provide feedback on their perception of training, and they were formally assessed with a standardized one-to-one viva.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-eight interns were recruited: 18 in the control group and 20 in the simulation group. The candidates in the simulation group performed significantly better in all viva situations (P < .05) and had better perception of learning (P < .05). Additionally, the simulation group was more likely to recommend the training to a colleague (P < .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We have demonstrated that replacing traditional lecture-based training with a mixture of lectures and emergency scenario simulation is more effective at preparing junior doctors for ENT emergencies, and better met their learning needs. Implementing this kind of teaching is feasible with a minimum of additional resources or time.
  
  
  METHODS
  1b
authors: Department of ENT Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
authors: Matthew Edward
authors: ME
authors: Smith
authors: Department of ENT Surgery, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Luton, United Kingdom.
authors: Annakan
authors: A
authors: Navaratnam
authors: Department of ENT Surgery, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Luton, United Kingdom.
authors: Lily
authors: L
authors: Jablenska
authors: Department of ENT Surgery, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Luton, United Kingdom.
authors: Panagiotis A
authors: PA
authors: Dimitriadis
authors: Department of ENT Surgery, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Luton, United Kingdom.
authors: Rishi
authors: R
authors: Sharma
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014481:United States
keywords: Simulation; education; emergencies; otolaryngology; training