Introduction:

Otorhinolaryngological disorders are amongst the most prominent frequent diseases in primary care. The overload in secondary care is thought to be a consequence of the low resolution of these problems in primary care. A deficiency in undergraduate medical training may explain this fact. The average estimated time spent studying otorhinolaryngological practice is estimated to be 0.6% of the total average practice hours after analysis of data from 141 medical course syllabuses in Brazil, corresponding to approximately 70.5% of all the medical schools in operation in 2013. Few studies have been conducted in this area and regarding teaching and the need for curriculum reassessment.

Objectives:

This study seeks to ascertain a consensus on the skills required by the general practitioner in the specialty of otorhinolaryngology.

Methods: An initial questionnaire was devised addressing the otorhinolaryngological skills relevant to primary care clinical practice. Using the Delphi method, the questionnaire was sent in electronic format to 20 specialists with training in three different specialties; this heterogeneity of the survey sample helped ensure the reliability of the results. The results obtained after each round were analyzed by one researcher and validated by another, observing any discrepant trends and opinions, as well as their justifications. Once the results had all been compiled and systematized, a new questionnaire was devised and sent out, starting a new round until consensus had been established for all the skills.

Results:

Five rounds were completed until a consensus was established for all 17 otorhinolaryngological skills evaluated by the propositions.

Conclusions:

The data obtained by this work can serve as a basis and guideline for developing an otorhinolaryngological curriculum for undergraduate medical training since no consensus was found in the literature establishing such a minimum skill set.

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