Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: nature and patient destination.Changes implemented included ensuring the management and follow-up of otitis externa patients met the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation guidelines.Data for the second cycle was then collected retrospectively over 2 weeks after staff education.A GP letter was issued for every patient seen.Results: First cycle: 261 patients.Follow-ups: 28%.Reviewed patients: 23% booked for emergency clinic follow-up, 17% booked for main clinic followup.Discharge rate: 43%.Second cycle: 158 patients.Follow-ups: 9%.Reviewed patients: 9% booked for emergency clinic follow-up, 3% booked for main clinic follow-up.Discharge rate: 72%.Conclusions: Managing the common condition otitis externa according to international guidelines has improved the workload and follow-up rate in the RNTNE emergency clinic.Improving staff numbers has also helped.By setting up correspondence we have also improved communication with GPs.
Source: International Journal of Surgery
Authors: Matthew Smith, Raj Lakhani
Institution: Peterborough City Hospital
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2118571104