Virtual Medical Education and Telemedicine Implementation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review of the Impact on Trainees and Providers in Otolaryngology

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic forced otolaryngologists (OTLs) to adapt to social distancing measures, recruitment, education, and training for practicing OTLs, residents, and fellows was forced to adapt to virtual alternatives. The objective of this review was to investigate the field of otolaryngology’s virtual adaptations to medical education, residency interviews, telemedicine, and provider wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A search was conducted using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases in May of 2021. Two hundred nine (n=209) texts were retrieved, and seventy three (n=73) articles were deemed eligible for full-text review. Forty-seven (n=47) studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Selected articles emphasized: 1) tailoring medical education in otolaryngology to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2) provider and patient impact of telehealth in otolaryngology, and 3) adaptations made by residency programs for recruitment and placement. Results: Findings demonstrate that medical students successfully adapted to virtual interviews, alternative education in otolaryngology, and innovative means of networking with programs through social media. Studies assessed suggested residents positively adapted to alternate virtual experiences of patient care including virtual surgeries, synchronous didactic sessions, and telemedicine. For otolaryngology providers and residents, the widespread and rapid implementation of telemedicine led to increased stress and burnout but improved throughout the duration of the ongoing pandemic. Conclusion: Measures put in place to prioritize safety through telemedicine, virtual medical education, and alternative experiences to training have allowed the field of otolaryngology to successfully adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies are needed to examine the effect of virtual education on otolaryngologist training, capability, and competency in clinical practice.