Evaluation of the fiberoptic endoscopy skill learning process of ENT specialty students

SUMMARY Evaluation of the Fiberoptic Endoscopy Skill Learning Process of ENT Specialty Students Dr. Sercan MERCAN This study aims to evaluate the fiberoptic endoscopy skill learning process of otorhinolaryngology (ENT) residency students using a structured assessment tool. Fiberoptic endoscopy is a method frequently used in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and is considered one of the essential interventional skills that must be mastered during residency training. The lack of a reliable and valid Turkish assessment tool in this field in the literature constitutes the starting point of this study. The research was conducted between 2024 and 2025 at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University. A total of 450 procedure observations were included in the study, and participants were divided into two groups as experienced (control) and inexperienced (study) groups. The assessment tool consisted of two parts: task-specific checklists and global rating scales. Data were collected by two independent observers; Cronbach's Alpha was calculated for internal consistency, and Cohen's Kappa coefficient was calculated for inter-rater agreement. According to the findings of the study, Cronbach's Alpha values in the task-based assessment were found to be above 0.60 for all items, and in some steps, this value exceeded 0.80 (p<0.001). In the global assessment, Cronbach's Alpha values were reported above 0.97. Cohen's Kappa coefficients ranged between 0.41–0.73 for task-specific items and between 0.45–0.60 for global items, indicating moderate to good agreement (p<0.001). Procedure times and skill scores showed a statistically significant difference between groups (p<0.05). The results indicate that the developed scale is valid and reliable. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the assessment tool developed within the scope of this thesis be used to evaluate fiberoptic endoscopy skills during residency training. Keywords: Fiberoptic Endoscopy, Skill Assessment, ENT Residency Training, Scale Development