A multidisciplinary workshop to teach head and neck oncology to residents: Results of a pilot study

Background. Managing patients with head and neck (HN) cancer requires specific clinical skills and an understanding of multidisciplinary treatment. A HN oncology workshop (HNOW) was developed to teach residents these principles. Methods. Twenty-one residents, eight patients, and 11 faculty participated in a three-hour HNOW composed of 12 15-minute stations. Pairs of residents spoke with and examined patients (six actual cancer patients). Expert faculty provided feedback and instruction. All participants rated aspects of the HNOW using a five-point scale. Before and after the workshop, the residents completed a 13-item self-assessment of their HN clinical skills. Results. Residents, faculty, and patients rated the HNOW highly. Residents' self-assessments improved from a mean of 2.32 ('not competent') before the HNOW to a mean of 3.36 ('competent'). Conclusions. 1) Residents' HN clinical skills are deficient. 2) The HNOW is an intensive, interactive format for teaching both clinical skills and a multidisciplinary approach to the HN cancer patient. 3) Residents' HN clinical skills significantly improved as a result of this novel HNOW.