Landmark Randomized Clinical Trials in Otolaryngology

Program Description: The randomized clinical trial (RCT) represents the pinnacle of the evidence-based medicine (EBM) hierarchy. Although they are far from perfect in actual execution, RCTs do offer the highest quality evidence available and are deserving of careful review to determine the validity of the results and to consider how they may be used to improve clinical care. While not as common as would be desired, many RCTs have been published in the field of otolaryngology over the years. The purpose of this miniseminar is to succinctly, but thoroughly review some of the key RCTs that have been published in the realm of otolaryngology in the past 10 to 20 years to inform the audience of the results and how they could positively influence the evidence basis of their practice. In addition, the key elements of an RCT that make it Level 1 evidence and thus less prone to the problems of error and bias will be reviewed. A four member panel composed of a pediatric otolaryngologist, a rhinologist, a neuro-otologist, and a sleep surgeon will present the miniseminar. The key RCTs that have been published in various areas of otolaryngology including otitis media, tonsillitis, hearing loss, rhinosinusitis, and sleep apnea will be reviewed in brief detail. The strengths and weaknesses of each trial and the potential impact of the results on clinical practice will be discussed. Interactive audience participation technology will be used to reinforce the presented material and stimulate audience interest. The attendee of this miniseminar should walk away having learned about some tangible, key published level 1 evidence which could lead to substantive changes in their clinical practice.

Educational Objectives: 1) Understand the concept of the hierarchy of evidence and the key features of the RCT. 2) Learn about key RCTs that have been published in otolaryngology over the past 10 to 20 years. 3) Apply the findings of key RCTs to improve the evidence basis of one’s practice.