Regionalization of ORL Boot Camps: Report of the Society of University Otolaryngologists Task Force.

OBJECTIVES: Simulation-based boot camps have emerged as timely vehicles to help novice residents develop the skills needed to manage medical emergencies. Geographically regional boot camps provide opportunities for interaction between residents and faculty from multiple otolaryngology programs. The Society of University Otolaryngologists (SUO) Boot Camp Task Force investigated the concept of regional access to otolaryngology boot camps with the goal of making more regional boot camps available for otolaryngology residents across the United States. STUDY DESIGN: Interviews. METHODS: The SUO Boot Camp Task Force assessed regional access to otolaryngology boot camps with a focus on geographic distribution, curricular content, and finances. Boot camp directors were contacted by email and telephone and interviewed to elicit information on all these areas. RESULTS: Data were available from 10 known regional simulation-based boot camps designed for novice residents. Individual boot camps included from 12 to 30 residents and 10 to 50 faculty members. Curricula included both technical (ie, procedural) and non-technical (eg, communication, leadership) skills for individuals and teams. Content was heavily weighted toward a variety of airway problems and management techniques, although various conditions involving hemorrhage, and airway fires were also addressed. Funding and expense structures had the greatest variability. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable variability was identified among the known regional boot camps in terms of numbers of participants and finances, but fewer differences in curriculum. Geographic opportunity for 9 to 10 new boot camps was identified. The SUO Task Force recommends that a consensus be developed for several individual skill and teamwork scenario objectives to be included in each boot camp. Laryngoscope, 131:737-743, 2021.