Resident Education in Laryngeal Stroboscopy and Perceptual Voice Evaluation: An Assessment

Summary 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 (median = 2, range = 1–4) in interpreting stroboscopy, regardless of training program ( P  = 0.81). Mean assessment scores were 56.5% ± 11.9, with scores in perceptual voice evaluation = 68.5% ± 10.6; laryngoscopy = 70.2% ± 12.8; and stroboscopy = 45.3% ± 17.8. Residents performed worse on stroboscopy questions compared to laryngoscopy questions ( P P  = 0.03), but not by institution ( P  = 0.34). A moderately positive correlation between reported level of confidence and overall scores (ρ = .47, P  = 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.