RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate otolaryngology residents' level of confidence and understanding in interpreting laryngeal stroboscopy. METHODS: Otolaryngology residents from three residency programs with fellowship-trained laryngologists on faculty were invited to participate. An assessment consisting of a survey and five stroboscopic exams was administered. Each exam consisted of questions on perceptual voice evaluation, laryngoscopic findings, and stroboscopic findings. Scores were compared to answers provided by three fellowship-trained laryngologists. RESULTS: Thirty-eight of 47 invited residents (80.8%) enrolled in the study. On a five-point likert scale, residents reported low confidence (medianâ¯=â¯2, rangeâ¯=â¯1-4) in interpreting stroboscopy, regardless of training program (Pâ¯=â¯0.81). Mean assessment scores were 56.5% ± 11.9, with scores in perceptual voice evaluationâ¯=â¯68.5% ± 10.6; laryngoscopyâ¯=â¯70.2% ± 12.8; and stroboscopyâ¯=â¯45.3% ± 17.8. Residents performed worse on stroboscopy questions compared to laryngoscopy questions (P < 0.0001). There was a significant difference in scores by postgraduate year (Pâ¯=â¯0.03), but not by institution (Pâ¯=â¯0.34). A moderately positive correlation between reported level of confidence and overall scores (ρâ¯=â¯.47, Pâ¯=â¯0.003) was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Despite didactic and clinical exposure, residents report low confidence in interpreting stroboscopy and scored lower on stroboscopy-specific questions compared to other assessment items. Additional resources and learning opportunities are needed to improve resident confidence and comprehension of stroboscopy.