Completion of an Individualized Learning Plan for Otology-Related Milestone Subcompetencies Leads to Improved Otology Section Otolaryngology Training Exam Scores.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nTo examine the relationships among self-assessment of knowledge in otology via an individualized learning plan (ILP), otology milestone achievement rate, and otolaryngology training exam (OTE) otology scores.\n\n\nSTUDY DESIGN\nProspective study.\n\n\nSETTING\nOne otolaryngology residency covering a tertiary care facility, trauma and hospital center, outpatient ambulatory surgery center, and outpatient clinics.\n\n\nPARTICIPANTS\nTwenty otolaryngology residents, four from each class.\n\n\nMETHODS\nResidents identified four milestones from otology-related sub-competencies to achieve in a 3-month rotation via an ILP. During the same rotation, the residents sat for the OTE, and their overall and otology scores were analyzed.\n\n\nMAIN OUTCOME MEASURES\nCompletion of an ILP before and at the end of the rotation, self-reported achievement of otology milestones, and OTE score components including total percent correct, scaled score, group stanine, national stanine, and residency group weighted scores.\n\n\nRESULTS\nGroup stanine OTE otology scores were higher for those residents who completed pre- and post-rotation ILPs compared with those who did not, 4.0 (±0.348) versus 2.75 (±0.453), respectively (p\u200a=\u200a0.04). Residents who self-reported achieving all four otology milestones had significantly higher otology group stanine scores than the residents who achieved less, 4.1 (±0.348) versus 2.9\u200a±\u200a0.433, respectively (p\u200a=\u200a0.045). Residents who performed well in their PGY program cohort on the otology OTE 1 year were less inclined to complete an ILP for otology in the subsequent year (Pearson correlation -0.528, p\u200a=\u200a0.035).\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nIn the otology subspecialty, residents who completed ILPs scored better on OTE examinations independent of resident class. Consequently, programs may find ILPs useful in other otolaryngology subspecialties and across residencies.