Views of assistant professors on digital transformation in otorhinolaryngology education

Background: Digital transformation in curricular teaching in medicine comprises the use of digital teaching and learning formats as well as the transfer of digital skills for medical staff. Concepts of knowledge transfer and competency profiles also have to be adapted and transferred in advanced training due to necessary changes. Objective: The aim of this study was an evaluation of the current state of digital transformation in otorhinolaryngology teaching in undergraduate and advanced training at otorhinolaryngology departments of university medical centers in Germany. Materials and methods: A questionnaire with nine questions on digital transformation was sent to the assistant professors of 37 national university ENT departments. The anonymous survey was conducted online via the online platform SurveyMonkey (R). Results: Of the contacted assistant professors, 86.5% participated in the survey. Teaching sessions on digital skills for medical students are part of the curriculum in only 25% of ENT departments. Digital teaching formats are used by half of the departments in undergraduate training. Only 56.25% of the assistant professors receive support to realize the changes required by digital transformation. In 40.62% of departments, the issue of digital transformation is broached during advanced training, but only 28.12% use digital teaching methods to train junior doctors. Conclusion: Aspects of digital transformation are implemented mainly in undergraduate education, partly driven by the COVID 19 pandemic. Overall, there is still considerable backlog in undergraduate and advanced training in ENT.