Improving patient care pathways in otitis externa.
Fam Pract
; 39(5): 971-973, 2022 09 24.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35022709
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Referrals for otitis externa (OE) have dramatically increased but the reasons for this remain unclear. We aim to characterize management of patients both pre- and post-referral to identify areas of improvement at the primary-secondary care interface.METHODS:
Questionnaire study from consultant-led research clinic specifically set up to prospectively analyse OE referrals at a tertiary referral centre for Otolaryngology.RESULTS:
Sixty-two patients were included; 63% female, median age 57 years. One was excluded (clinically not OE). Most patients had multiple primary care visits before referral (average 4 GP; 2 practice nurse). Sixty per cent had received oral antibiotics (16% multiple classes). Eighteen per cent had never had ear drops. Thirty-nine per cent were not advised to keep ears dry. Twenty-one per cent had dermatitis; 13% contact allergy, 30% systemic allergy, 5% diabetes. Less than 10% had narrow canals. Thirty-six per cent had active discharge but <7% needed a wick. Approximately 75% appear suitable for community aural care clinics.CONCLUSIONS:
OE occurs most commonly in female patients, often with associated risk factors. Patients often consult primary care several times prior to referral. Lifestyle advice and ototopical drops are frequently overlooked; instead, often inappropriately treated with oral antibiotics. Most ears were anatomically normal, and community aural care clinics may have a role in more timely and accessible treatment.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Otite Externa
/
Hipersensibilidade
Tipo de estudo:
Guideline
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Female
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Fam Pract
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Reino Unido