Leveraging the virtual landscape to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

The pandemic era has wrought disruptive changes across all aspects of academic medicine, transforming clinical care systems, research enterprises, and educational practices. Among these sweeping changes, some of the most significant for Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS) relate to innovative use of virtual communication. The virtual landscape has not only redefined the delivery of patient care but also expanded educational interactions across the career continuum. As the architecture of relationships has been reimagined, the traditional Halstedian teaching paradigm has evolved, now integrating in-person, virtual, and hybrid learning. Once formidable barriers to distance learning have diminished, giving way to social networks that support mentorship, coaching, and sponsorship. Creative use of technology supports collaboration, feedback, spaced learning, scaffolding, and interleaving. These advances have immediate significance for OHNS, a highly collaborative specialty that leads in technological innovation and aspires to improve diversity. Whereas traditional efforts to grow the ranks of underrepresented in medicine (URiM) individuals in OHNS yielded only incremental progress, the virtual landscape is unveiling new strategies for reengineering narrow or leaky pipelines. Strategies that can help attract URiM applicants include inclusive departmental web presence, interactive online clinical experiences, virtual interviews, and remote research opportunities. As students, surgeons, and scientists collectively embrace technology, accelerated progress toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) becomes possible. Maximizing these opportunities requires aligning national and institutional imperatives for diversity with departmental priorities and mission. Finally, intentional outreach and holistic assessment support growth of structured virtual communities that foster equitable access for those who need it most.

High Prevalence of Cochlear Nerve Deficiency in Pediatric Patients With Cochlear Aperture Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: Cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) is a common radiologic finding among unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL) patients. It is generally detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is associated with higher cost, less availability, and possible need for sedation. Therefore, identifying computed tomography (CT) findings, such as cochlear aperture stenosis (CAS), that can reliably predict CND is valuable. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of CND in pediatric patients with CT-diagnosed CAS. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary care center. METHODS: We included pediatric patients diagnosed with CAS on temporal bone CT and with available temporal bone MRI. For each patient, an otolaryngologist and a pediatric neuroradiologist measured the cochlear aperture width on CT to confirm CAS (cochlear aperture < 1.4 mm) and assessed the status of the cochlear nerve on MRI. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients, representing 65 ears, had CAS on CT measurement. Median cochlear aperture width in CAS ears was 0.70 mm (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.40-1.05 mm) versus 2.00 mm in non-CAS ears (IQR: 1.80-2.30 mm, P < .001). CND was found in 98.5% (n = 64/65) of CAS ears, while a normal cochlear nerve was found in 1.5% (n = 1/65) of CAS ears. CONCLUSION: CND is highly prevalent among pediatric patients with CAS. This suggests that MRI may not be needed to assess for CND in USNHL patients with CAS, as initial CT may provide sufficient information to determine cochlear implant candidacy. We recommend thoughtful shared decision-making with parents of USNHL patients when determining whether to pursue MRI in the setting of a CAS diagnosis.

Correlation Between Quality of Life and Speech Recognition Outcomes Following Cochlear Implantation.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between Cochlear Implant Quality of Life-10 Global (CIQOL-10) scores and speech recognition scores 6 and 12 months after cochlear implantation (CI) and to compare CIQOL-10 scores for patients who met the benchmark speech recognition scores with those who did not. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: One hundred twenty-four adults who underwent CI between 2018 and 2021 and completed a CIQOL-10 questionnaire at their 6- and/or 12-month postoperative visit. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: CIQOL-10, Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) word, and AzBio in quiet and noise scores. RESULTS: At 6 months, weak positive correlations were found between CIQOL-10 and CNC (n = 78, r = 0.234, p = 0.039) and AzBio in quiet (n = 73, r = 0.293, p = 0.012) scores but not AzBio in noise scores (n = 39, r = 0.207, p = 0.206). At 12 months, weak positive correlations were found between CIQOL-10 and CNC (n = 98, r = 0.315, p = 0.002), AzBio in quiet (n = 88, r = 0.271, p = 0.011), and AzBio in noise (n = 48, r = 0.291, p = 0.045) scores. Patients who met the benchmark CNC scores had notably higher CIQOL-10 scores than those who did not at 6 months (52.0 vs 45.5, p = 0.008) and 12 months (52.0 vs 45.5, p = 0.003). A similar relationship was found for those who met the benchmark AzBio in quiet scores at both 6 months (52.0 vs 44.0, p = 0.006) and 12 months (52.0 vs 46.5, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: CIQOL-10 scores have weak positive correlations with postoperative speech recognition outcomes at 6 and 12 months. This highlights the need for the continued use of quality-of-life measures, such as the CIQOL-10, in assessing CI outcomes to gain a more comprehensive understanding of patients' experiences.

Effect of Application Screening Methods on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Otolaryngology.

Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) lags behind other surgical subspecialties in the representation of underrepresented minorities in medicine (URMs). Given the recently announced changes to Step 1 scoring, we aimed to assess the effect of alternative application screening methods-Step 2 Clinical Knowledge scores and Alpha Omega Alpha membership-on the racial/ethnic diversity of the OHNS applicant pool. After reviewing OHNS residency applications submitted to our institution for the 2015-2020 matches (N = 2177), we determined that a significantly greater proportion of URM vs non-URM applicants would be screened out from interview consideration if any the following were used as an initial screening method: Step 2 cutoff score of 240, Step 2 cutoff score of 253 or non-Alpha Omega Alpha membership (P < .01 for each). Given that using these metrics to screen applications disproportionately affects URMs, programs should consider implementing alternative application review methods, such as holistic evaluation, which may promote more equitable distribution of interviews.

Impact of Medical Student Research Fellowships on Otolaryngology Match Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: While many students participate in research years or fellowships prior to entering the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) match, the effects of these fellowships on match outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of research fellowships on odds of matching into OHNS. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. METHODS: Applications from first-time, US allopathic seniors between the 2014-2015 and the 2019-2020 application cycles were reviewed. Data were abstracted from Electronic Residency Application Service applications and match results determined using the National Residency Matching Program database and online public sources. The relationship between research fellowships and matching was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 1775 applicants included, nearly 16% (n = 275) participated in research fellowships and 84.1% matched (n = 1492). Research fellows were no more likely to match into OHNS than non-research fellows (86.9% vs. 83.5%, unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.31, P = .161), even when adjusting for applicant characteristics (predicted probability [PP]: 88.8% vs. 85.8%, adjusted OR 1.31, P = .210). For applicants from top 25 medical schools, however, research fellowships were associated with higher odds of matching (PP: 96.5% vs. 90.0%, adjusted OR 3.07, P = .017). In addition, completing a fellowship was associated with significantly greater odds of matching into a top 25 OHNS residency program (PP: 58.6% vs. 30.5%, adjusted OR 3.24, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Fellowships may be beneficial for select applicants, though for most, they are not associated with improved odds of matching. These findings provide context for OHNS residency candidates considering research fellowships and should be carefully weighed against other potential advantages and disadvantages of fellowships. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 131:E2506-E2512, 2021.

Long-Term Academic Outcomes of Triological Society Research Career Development Award Recipients.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Each year, the Triological Society awards several Research Career Development Awards (CDAs) to support early-career otolaryngologists. The objective of this study was to evaluate academic outcomes of CDA recipients including National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding acquisition and h-index. A secondary objective was to appraise gender differences in outcomes among awardees. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Recipients' practice setting, degree type, academic rank, and leadership titles were determined through review of academic and private practice profiles in October 2019. NIH funding was assessed using the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tool and the h-index was calculated using the Scopus database. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2019, 70 investigators received a CDA. Of the 65 awardees prior to 2019, 26 (40.0%) obtained NIH grants after the CDA. Having an MD/PhD or MD/master's was not associated with NIH funding attainment (P = .891) nor with higher funding total (P = .109). However, funding total was significantly higher for full professors compared to assistant professors (P = .022). The median h-index among awardees was 16 (interquartile range = 11-21) and differed significantly by academic rank (P < .001). Moreover, 23 CDAs (32.9%) were awarded to women. However, fewer female recipients obtain NIH funding after the CDA compared to men (10.5% vs. 52.2%, P = .002), and they had significantly lower h-indices than men (10 vs. 17, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: As a cohort, CDA awardees achieve higher academic success than academic otolaryngologists in general. However, female CDA recipients lag behind their male colleagues, highlighting the need for more research to uncover contributors to gender differences and ways to foster equity in research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 131:288-293, 2021.

Readability analysis of pediatric otolaryngology patient-reported outcome measures.

OBJECTIVE: (s): Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are tools that allow patients to directly share information about their health with their healthcare provider. Health literacy experts recommend that health information, such as PROMs, be written at a 6th grade level to ensure patients can read and comprehend it. As the readability of PROMs used in pediatric otolaryngology has yet to be studied, our goal was to analyze the readability of these PROMs and assess their compliance with readability recommendations. METHODS: The Gunning Fog, the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and the FORCAST readability formulas were used to determine the readability of disease-specific PROMs for pediatric otolaryngology. RESULTS: Fourteen PROMs were reviewed in the study. Most were intended for caregiver completion (n = 13, 92.9%). Ten PROMs when measured by Gunning Fog (71.4%), 2 PROMs when measured by SMOG (14.3%), and 0 PROMs when measured by FORCAST (0.0%) were at or below the 6th grade reading level. CONCLUSION: Most PROMs available for use in pediatric otolaryngology are above the recommended 6th grade reading level when measured by FORCAST, the most appropriate metric for assessing questionnaires. The high reading grade level needed to complete these PROMs can contribute to health disparities among underserved and vulnerable populations, such as children. Pediatric otolaryngology PROMs developed in the future should take readability into account in order to ensure equity in the delivery of care.

Curriculum Vitae Workshops: Promoting Transparency in Alpha Omega Alpha While Serving Student Needs.

OBJECTIVE: To promote equity in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AOA) selection process, clear and timely communication of eligibility criteria is needed. Herein, the authors describe and assess the effectiveness of a novel method for improving transparency in the AOA selection process while also teaching students key professional development skills. METHODS: The authors hosted curriculum vitae (CV) workshops for interested medical students. One part of each session was dedicated to sharing information about AOA and its selection process, while the rest focused on teaching students how to build effective CVs. After the most recent session, students were asked to complete a survey about the effectiveness of the workshop. RESULTS: Between 2019 and 2020, three CV workshops were hosted. Interest in the events was high, with approximately 15 to 30 first- and second-year medical students participating in each. Based on survey results, participants found the workshop helped them gain a better understanding of AOA eligibility and selection (100%, n = 10) and taught them key CV development skills (100%, n = 10). CONCLUSION: These workshops are a novel approach to disseminating AOA eligibility criteria and can be employed by medical schools to promote transparency in the AOA selection process. They also give students the skills to craft CVs that will better prepare them for applying to residency and other academic opportunities. As such medical schools and AOA chapters should consider implementing a similar model at their institutions.

Heterogeneity in Outcome Reporting in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Objective Presently, there are no standards for reporting outcomes of endoscopic endonasal skull base reconstruction (ESBR). This is problematic as a lack of consistent reporting makes synthesizing findings in systematic reviews and meta-analysis challenging. Thus, the aim of this study was to systematically review and describe the patterns of reporting outcomes in ESBR as a foundation for developing reporting guidelines. Study Design Present study is a systematic review. Methods Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for all publications with ≥25 patients and a focus on ESBR. The reporting patterns of each study's variables and outcomes were assessed. Results A total of 112 studies were included in the review. The most commonly reported demographic variables were the number of included patients ( n = 112, 100%) and types of pathologies treated ( n = 104, 92.9%). Meanwhile, the most routinely described preoperative variable was history of prior treatment ( n = 48, 42.9%). Type of reconstruction was a commonly reported intraoperative variable ( n = 110, 98.2%), though the rate of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak was noted in only 76 studies (67.9%). With regard to postoperative outcomes, postoperative CSF leak rate was routinely provided ( n = 101, 90.2%), but reporting of other surgical complications was more inconsistent. Ultimately, of the 43 variables and outcomes reviewed, a median of 12 (range: 4-22) was reported in each study. Conclusion There is significant heterogeneity in the outcomes reported in studies relating to ESBR. This highlights the need for the development of standard reporting guidelines to minimize bias and improve interstudy comparability.

Wide range of perioperative drugs and doses used in inguinal hernia repairs for premature infants.

OBJECTIVE: Characterize the types and doses of commonly administered perioperative drugs in inguinal hernia (IH) repair for premature infants. STUDY DESIGN: Single-center, retrospective cohort study. RESULTS: In total, 112 premature infants underwent IH repair between 2010 and 2015. Twenty-one drugs were used during IH repair, with each infant receiving a median seven drugs. Acetaminophen (88%), bupivacaine (84%), cisatracurium (74%), sevoflurane (72%), and propofol (71%) were the most commonly used agents. Thirty-two infants underwent additional procedures with IH repair. Additional procedures were not associated with a higher number of perioperative drugs, however infants with additional procedures were exposed to higher cumulative doses of cisatracurium (p < 0.001) and fentanyl (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: There is wide variability in the drugs and doses used for a common surgical procedure in this population, even within a single center. Future research should focus on the safety and efficacy of the most commonly used perioperative drugs described in this study.

Age and risk of recurrence in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma: Systematic review.

The incidence of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma has been increasing in young patients (≤45 years) without a clear etiologic driver. It is unknown if younger patients have an increased risk of recurrence compared to older patients. A literature search was conducted through January 2020 using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, Science Direct, and clinicaltrials.gov. This review was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42020167498) and the PRISMA statement was followed. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they assessed risk of recurrence by age using a time-to-event analysis, used an age cutoff of ≤45 years or less for the younger cohort, and limited the analysis to the oral tongue subsite. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers using a form with a prespecified list of variables. There were 13 articles that met criteria for the qualitative synthesis (n = 1763 patients). The reported 5-year rates of disease-free survival ranged from 30% to 72% for the younger cohorts and 42% to 81% for the older cohorts. Three studies reported a statistically significant increased risk of recurrence in younger patients, three studies reported a nonsignificant increased risk in younger patients, and seven studies reported a similar risk in younger patients based on the time-to-event analyses. There may be an increased risk of recurrence for younger patients with oral tongue cancer. A definitive conclusion is precluded by limitations among individual studies, and additional research is warranted to examine this question.