Development and Evaluation of the Cadaver Dissection Training Program for the Resident School

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate and improve the cadaver dissection training program given by the Turkish Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Association's resident school. The program addresses goals, outcomes, content, implementation sequence, educational strategies, and the steps for evaluation and regulation.

Methods: The Kern educational program development model was used by the 2023-2025 ENT Resident School Management for cadaver dissection training: both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. A needs analysis was conducted with structured focus interviews with the 12 students accepted into the course. Dissection steps, educational resources, and dissection videos were shared with residents before the training. A personalized cadaver dissection training plan, aligned with the Curriculum Development and Standardization System, was developed and shared with the instructors. Post-training, the Kirkpatrick program evaluation model was used to conduct first and second-level program evaluations.

Results: The first-level evaluation revealed high satisfaction with the training program, and the second-level evaluation indicated a statistically significant increase between pre-test and post-test scores (p=0.015). There was a significant positive correlation between the total mastoidectomy success scale scores and the difference scores (pre- and post-test) (p=0.019; r=0.663), while no significant correlation was found for the endoscopic sinus surgery success scale scores (p=0.996).

Conclusion: The Resident School, developed by the members of the Turkish Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Association, is a high-participation, skill-intensive training program. The program, conducted with great dedication, received high participant satisfaction and assessed knowledge and skill learning levels.

Keywords: Cadaver; education; otorhinolaryngology; program evaluation.