Smartphone Adapters for Endoscopy: Current Use Among US Otolaryngology Residency Programs

Objective: Smartphone adapters for flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy provide an accessible means for video documentation, enhancing both resident education and patient care. This study evaluates the current utilization of smartphone adapters for endoscopy among Otolaryngology Residency Programs in the United States. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: ACGME-accredited Otolaryngology Residency Programs. Methods: A 14-question survey was distributed to ACGME-accredited Otolaryngology Residency Programs during 2023. Responses regarding smartphone adapter use, training-level differences, barriers, and perceived benefits were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 115 residents from 27 states and Puerto Rico responded, with 62% being upper-level residents (PGY 3-5). Only 44% of respondents reported using smartphone adapters for endoscopy. The most cited barrier was lack of awareness (53%), followed by unavailability in residency programs (19%) and cost (11%). Among users, the primary reasons for adoption included video documentation for senior discussion (100%), patient education (63%), and airway handoffs (57%). The emergency room was the most common setting (100%), where 90% of residents lacked access to video endoscopic towers. The principal procedures performed with adapters were flexible laryngoscopy (100%) and nasal endoscopy (82%). Most residents reported using the Endoscope-i (41%) or Storz Smart Endoscope (23%), while a minority (4%) used 3-D printed models. Nearly all users (98%) considered smartphone adapters to be valuable for communication, case discussion, and clinical decision-making. Conclusion: Smartphone endoscopy adapters remain underutilized in Otolaryngology residency training. Given their educational and clinical benefits, formal integration into residency training programs may enhance patient care, resident learning, and interspecialty communication.