Patient Chief Complaint and Otolaryngology Referral Rationale: Discordance and Opportunities for Quality Improvement.

OBJECTIVE: As medical systems focus on patient satisfaction as an important care outcome, specialty clinics are tasked with continued improvement of patients' experience. When patient expectations for a consultation differ from that of the specialty provider, dissatisfaction with the experience can occur. One source of differing expectations is discordance between the patient's chief complaint and the clinical rationale for the consultation as requested by the referring provider. We sought to better understand when this discordance occurs, as well as factors contributing to this disorientation of patient and provider expectations in a safety net otolaryngology practice. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed and records were examined from new patient consultations. Patient questionnaires, including self-reported chief concerns, were compared with the electronic referral documentation. A difference between the patient's Chief Complaint (CC) and Referral Reason (RR) was defined as CC-RR Discordance. Medical records, pre-consultation patient communication, and scheduling data were also reviewed to evaluate contributing factors. RESULTS: Of the 1155 consultations examined, 952 were included in the analysis. A CC-RR Discordance was found in 175 (18.4%) of new-patient encounters, including 117 (12.3%) that were unable to articulate a CC (unsure of the reason for the appointment), and 58 (6.1%) that stated a CC that was different than the RR. The rate of CC-RR Discordance was higher in patients with female sex (P < .05), older age (P < .001), and longer time intervals between referral and appointment (P < .05). Lack of communication with the patient (instructions or referral notification) by the referring provider was not associated with CC-RR Discordance. CONCLUSIONS: Discordance between patient CC and the rationale for a consultation is common in this safety-net otolaryngology practice and may be an important source of patient dissatisfaction. Future opportunities for quality improvement include pre-consultation communication between the specialist and the patient and reducing time intervals between referral and appointment.

Comparison of radiographic and clinical characteristics of low-risk and high-risk cystic fibrosis genotypes.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) exhibit a wide range of disease severity, and can be broadly stratified into high-risk and low-risk groups based on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutation class. Patients with a low-risk genotype are often diagnosed as adults, with milder disease and lower sweat chloride values. The aim of the current study was to better understand radiographic and clinical characteristics of sinus disease in adult CF patients within this risk category. METHODS: Adult CF patients were retrospectively compared to a control group of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. CF diagnostic testing and pulmonary characteristics were compared between high-risk and low-risk CF groups, and sinus CT findings were compared among all 3 groups. RESULTS: When comparing CF cohorts (n = 25 and 30, respectively), earlier age at diagnosis (p < 0.001), higher sweat chloride values (p < 0.001), lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ) values (p < 0.001), and a higher prevalence of pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p = 0.001) were found in the high-risk genotype group. A significantly increased incidence of sinus hypoplasia/aplasia and bony sclerosis was seen when comparing both CF groups to the control cohort (n = 30), as well as when comparing the high-risk and low-risk CF genotype cohorts. CONCLUSION: The current study describes clinicopathologic findings of sinus disease in adult CF patients in the context of genotype severity. Our data demonstrate that while patients within a low-risk genotype cohort have generally milder lung disease, they retain classic radiographic findings of CF sinus disease that can help raise the index of suspicion for undiagnosed CF.

Novel airway findings in a patient with 1p36 deletion syndrome.

1p36 deletion syndrome comprises a phenotypic presentation that includes central nervous system, cardiac, and craniofacial anomalies. There has been no report of associated airway anomalies with this syndrome. We present here a case report and literature review. Prenatally, amniocentesis for chromosomal analysis was performed on our patient, with results consistent with 1p36 deletion syndrome. Respiratory distress and unsuccessful attempts at intubation prompted transfer to Children's Hospital of Colorado. Microlaryngoscopy was subsequently performed, revealing a persistent buccopharyngeal membrane and unidentifiable larynx. Emergent tracheostomy was then performed to secure the airway. Airway anomalies may be associated with 1p36 deletion syndrome.

Upper and lower airways associations in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is an uncommon disease of the lower airways characterized by bronchial wall destruction and permanent bronchiolar dilation. Several etiologic categories exist, and patients with bronchiectasis often complain of symptoms suggestive of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The present study investigates the association between bronchiectasis and CRS using radiologic and bacteriologic data. METHODS: Retrospective chart review from a tertiary care respiratory hospital was performed. Sinus computed tomography (CT) scans were examined for extent of disease and relationship to pulmonary disease severity. Statistical analysis was performed with Student t test and linear regression. Upper and lower airway cultures from patients with both bronchiectasis and CRS were compared using the chance adjusted agreement. RESULTS: Patients with bronchiectasis were found to have a significantly higher Lund-Mackay score when compared to patients with allergic rhinitis (p = 0.047). Lund-Mackay CT score did not correlate with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ) and FEV1 :forced vital capacity (FVC), or presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Correlation of upper and lower airway bacterial cultures in patients with both bronchiectasis and CRS was noted (kappa = 0.294, p = 0.004), particularly when P. aeruginosa was present (kappa = 0.49, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The current study suggests that the upper and lower airways may be linked in CRS and bronchiectasis from both an objective radiologic standpoint and a bacteriologic perspective. This finding carries implications for disease pathogenesis, clinical care, and future research.

Management of complications from alloplastic implants in rhinoplasty.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Alloplasts have long been used in rhinoplasty, but their use remains controversial. Many complications are associated with their implementation in rhinoplasty. This article elucidates these complications and provides recommendations for management. RECENT FINDINGS: Several recent articles have been published presenting experience and outcomes regarding alloplast use in rhinoplasty. In many of these studies, a specific section has been dedicated to outlining the complications encountered by the authors. Oftentimes, a short summary of the complications and their management is provided. By examining the data from these studies, one can conclude several things about the management of complications involving alloplastic implants in rhinoplasty: each case must be approached on an individual basis; clinical decision-making is dictated by physical exam findings and severity of the complication; removal of the implant must be strongly considered; and revision rhinoplasty after an alloplastic complication usually necessitates an autologous graft. SUMMARY: Alloplasts continue to be a controversial option in rhinoplasty. The surgeon must be cognizant of the risks and benefits of their use. A frank preoperative discussion of possible complications with the patient is important. Additionally, prompt recognition and appropriate management of complications is essential to minimize permanent sequelae.