The current situation of tutoring in specialised training in otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery in Spain. Where are we? Where do we want to go?

Background and objective: There is great heterogeneity in the methodology and evaluation in specialised health training (SHT) in otorhinolaryngology in our country. The figure of the resident tutor is the cornerstone on which the SHT system is based and the regulation and recognition of this figure varies. This article aims to take a snapshot of the current situation of the SHT in Spain and to describe the activity of tutors. Materials and methods: During the month of September 2023, a survey was sent in a Google Forms (R) format through the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. The survey consisted of 8 multiple-choice questions and 4 questions in which they were asked to rank a series of 5 weaknesses, threats, opportunities and strengths selected by the authors, in order to perform a SWOT analysis. Results: A total of 103 responses were obtained, of which 81 corresponded to accredited tutors. 63% of the tutors indicated that they did not have enough time to carry out their teaching work and 48% did not carry out a regular assessment of their residents. 64% of the tutors believe that the quality of otorhinolaryngology training in Spain is good and 61% are satisfied with their job as tutors. The main weakness was the short duration of the training programme, and the pressure of care was found to be the main threat. An experienced training system was considered the main strength and the creation of a national network of tutors was seen as an opportunity for improvement. Conclusions: The creation of a common and transversal otorhinolaryngology training pathway for all accredited centres and the creation of a network of mentors and residents are necessary to address the problems of SHT. The role of the tutor must be recognised and reinforced to improve specialist training. (c) 2024 Sociedad Espanola de Otorrinolaringolog<acute accent>& imath;a y Cirug<acute accent>& imath;a de Cabeza y Cuello. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.