Evaluating a specialized workshop on otorhinolaryngology emergencies for junior doctors: Empowering the next generation of healers

Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) emergencies, including airway obstructions, epistaxis, and foreign body removal, require prompt and specialized medical intervention. Junior doctors, particularly those in the early stages of their careers, often face challenges in managing these conditions due to limited exposure to ORL-specific training during their internships. While general medical education provides foundational skills, it may not sufficiently prepare junior doctors to handle the complexities of ORL emergencies. As junior doctors are often the first point of contact for urgent ORL cases in emergency departments, targeted training is critical to enhance their competence and improve patient outcomes. This study assessed the effectiveness of a specialized workshop focused on ORL emergencies, attended by 41 junior doctors. The cohort had varying levels of clinical experience, with 31 having completed 6 months and 10 having completed 12 months of internship. Of the participants, 25 had prior exposure to ORL during their internship rotations, while 16 had not. The cohort had a mean age of 24.73 years (SD = ±1.30), with a gender distribution of 21 females and 20 males. None of the participants had previously attended formal training specifically focused on ORL emergencies. Knowledge improvement was measured using pre- and posttest scores, with statistical analysis to assess the significance of the change. The mean pretest score was 9.95 (SD = 2.97), and the mean posttest score was 12.78 (SD = 2.73). The improvement in scores was statistically significant (P < .0001), indicating that the workshop was effective in enhancing participants' knowledge of ORL emergencies. The workshop significantly improved junior doctors' knowledge of ORL emergencies, addressing important gaps in their training. By providing specialized education to a diverse group of early-career doctors, the initiative enhanced their preparedness to manage urgent ORL conditions, ultimately contributing to better patient care and safety in emergency settings.