Educational value of a preoperative CT sinus checklist: a resident's perspective.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the educational value and effectiveness of a preoperative computed tomography (CT) sinus anatomy checklist as a teaching method from the perspective of otolaryngology residents.

DESIGN: Between 2009 and 2011, 15 otolaryngology residents completed a CT sinus anatomy checklist prior to the start of sinus surgery cases. A cross-sectional brief Likert-type questionnaire assessed the resident experience with the checklist. Nine items explored its perceived utility, role in the preoperative setting, incorporation into practice, and recall.

SETTING: St. Michael's Hospital, tertiary care hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: Otolaryngology residents rotating through St. Michael's Hospital between 2009 and 2011 were enrolled into this study. A total of 15 residents entered and finished the study.

RESULTS: Overall, all residents strongly agreed that the checklist was useful. It ensured that the CT imaging was properly reviewed and increased their comfort level with the relevant anatomy. Nearly all the residents continue to use this checklist even after completing the rotation with the senior author (JML).

CONCLUSIONS: The CT sinus anatomy checklist was perceived as useful overall by otolaryngology residents. In the future, checklists should be applied to other areas of head and neck surgical training to further standardize preoperative planning.