Abstract
BACKGROUND: In otorhinolaryngology, the majority of specialist training takes place in inpatient facilities. Against the backdrop of current structural reforms in the hospital sector, it is necessary to collect fundamental structural data of these training institutions. To date, no centrally collected data exist that capture the number of inpatient training centers, the number of trainees and authorized trainers, or the scope of training accreditation. The aim of this study was therefore to establish a nationwide baseline assessment to support evaluation of the potential impact of the ongoing hospital reform. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (DGHNO-KHC) conducted a nationwide digital survey among the heads of ENT departments in Germany. The survey collected structural and capacity-related parameters relevant to specialist training. RESULTS: A total of 95 fully completed questionnaires were returned (response rate 54.9%). All federal states were represented (32 university and 63 non-university hospitals). In 2024, 84 clinics (88,4 %) reported more than 1500 inpatient cases. On average, 1.5 physicians per institution held formal authorization to conduct specialist training. The number of trainees remained stable in 56.8% of clinics and increased in 32.6%. Overall, 96.8% of departments had full accreditation for the complete 5‑year training period. CONCLUSION: Otorhinolaryngology specialist training in Germany is broadly available and delivered at a consistently high level within hospitals. Based on the collected data, a stable and robust training structure can be expected to persist, even when considering potential effects of the Hospital Care Improvement Act (Krankenhausversorgungsverbesserungsgesetz, KHVVG). These training capacities remain essential for ensuring nationwide high-quality specialist care.