A learner-centered educational curriculum improves resident performance on the otolaryngology training examination

Objectives/Hypothesis: To examine the effects of a learner-centered educational curriculum for Johns Hopkins otolaryngology- head and neck surgery residents in improving their otolaryngology training examination (OTE) scores. We hypothesized that trainees who attend a learner-centered program demonstrate improved performance on OTEs. Study Design: Prospective longitudinal study. Methods: In September 2008, a resident-designed educational curriculum was implemented to better prepare residents for their OTE. These mandatory sessions, led by faculty members, were held for an hour every week, during in which residents were tested on their knowledge of high-yield topics. Residents were expected to be prepared on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the selected diseases. In 2011, residents were given responsibility to lead these sessions. OTE scores from 2002 to 2012 were analyzed to see whether there was any improvement after the implementation of this curriculum. Results: Clustered linear regression analysis revealed significant improvement of OTE scores with subsequent interventions. During a 3-year period (2009-2011) after the first intervention, there was a significant increase (P =.01) of 0.69 in mean national and 0.78 in mean group stanine scoring. Similarly, after the second intervention in 2011, a further increment of 1.36 in mean national and 1.58 in mean group stanine scoring was seen (P=.001). Conclusions: Residents OTE stanines improved significantly after the implementation of a learner-centered educational curriculum. This finding suggests that trainees are able to perform better when involved in planning and implementing the educational curriculum.