Comparative validity of three simulation platforms for objective assessment of otoscopy skills.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the face, construct and content validity of three different platforms for otoscopy skills assessment, using a traditional otoscope with manikin, digital otoscope (Tympahealth) with manikin, and traditional otoscope with a low-cost model ear (SimEar). DESIGN: Prospective mixed methods study. SETTING: Tertiary hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Postgraduate trainees and expert assessors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Face and Content validity based on expert assessor ranking on each model and their feedback from semi-structured interviews. Construct validity based on Objective Structured Clinical Examination scores. RESULTS: Each platform differed in face, construct and content validity scores, with no one platform consistently outperforming others. Three main themes were identified during thematic analysis of expert assessor interviews: ability to assess what is seen, anatomical reality, and ease of use. The low-cost model showed greatest potential, where modification to include a silicone ear could lead to high validity with marginal increase in cost. CONCLUSION: Several modalities for assessing otoscopy skills exist, each with advantages and disadvantages. Modifications to a low-cost model, for use with either a traditional or digital otoscope, could prove to be the best model.

Small cell lung cancer presenting as unilateral rhinorrhoea.

The metastatic spread of infraclavicular malignancies to the nasal cavity is rare. We describe the case of a 58-year-old man who presented with a 4-month history of right-sided rhinorrhoea, maxillary hypoesthesia, hyposmia and hypogeusia. Clinical examination revealed an irregular mass within the right nasal cavity. Immunohistochemical analyses of biopsies were consistent with small cell carcinoma of indeterminate origin. A positron emission tomography scan demonstrated extensive mediastinal lymphadenopathy with collapse-consolidation of the right lung's middle lobe and no other sites of metastasis. Following discussion at the lung multidisciplinary team meeting, a diagnosis of metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) was made; the patient was staged with N3, M1b disease and palliative chemo-radiotherapy was started. To the best of our knowledge, this report represents the first documented case of a solitary nasal cavity metastasis arising from a SCLC.

The Quality of Rhinoplasty Health Information on the Internet.

BACKGROUND: Patients considering rhinoplasty often use internet health information resources before consultation with a surgeon. These can be beneficial and promote patient autonomy if high quality or be detrimental if misleading impressions about results and complications are reported as fact. This study aimed to objectively assess the quality of health information regarding rhinoplasty on the internet. METHODS: The 3 most popular search engines in the United Kingdom (Google, Bing, and Yahoo) were searched using 4 different terms relating to rhinoplasty. The first 30 links from each search were collated; 360 links in total were screened. Sixty-six suitable websites were examined using the LIDA and DISCERN instruments and had their Flesch Reading Ease Scores (FRES) calculated. RESULTS: The websites displayed low LIDA reliability scores (22%), moderate usability (61%) and high accessibility scores (87%). There was no correlation between a website's search result rank and its LIDA score (Spearman ρ = 0.033, P = 0.799). The DISCERN scores were generally low (mean 54%) and displayed no correlation with website rank (Spearman ρ = 0.070, P = 0.564). FRES values were less readable than that recommended for health information (mean FRES = 57.8; recommended ≥70) and significantly correlated with website rank (Spearman ρ = -0.3164; P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Rhinoplasty internet health information is generally of low quality, unreliable and less readable than recommended. Improvements are needed to increase the quality of internet rhinoplasty resources for patients.

Venous thromboembolism: patient awareness and education in the pre-operative assessment clinic.

Each year venous thromboembolism (VTE) causes up to 60,000 deaths in the UK, many resulting from hospital-acquired thromboses following elective surgery. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines state that all elective surgical patients should receive verbal and written information pre-operatively regarding the risks of developing VTE. This audit assessed elective surgical patient's prior awareness of VTE and examined how effective targeted patient education during the pre-operative assessment is in increasing this awareness. A 13 point questionnaire designed to assess a pre-operative patient's understanding of topics relating to VTE was provided to consecutive patients identified as being at risk of developing VTE at the end of their pre-operative assessment over a two-week period. A total of 68 questionnaires were completed. Provision of verbal and written information was poor (47 %, n = 32 and 47 %, n = 32 respectively). Despite this, 71 % (n = 48) of patients were aware of the consequences of developing VTE. Many patients correctly identified surgery (71 %, n = 48), immobility (71 %, n = 48) and being overweight (68 %, n = 46) as risk factors, but not dehydration (47 %, n = 32). Lack of awareness regarding personal methods to reduce the risk of developing a VTE post-operatively (24 %, n = 16) and potential side-effects of medical prophylaxis (32 %, n = 22) were also identified. Many patients already possess an awareness of VTE, however, specific knowledge regarding its risk factors and methods of prevention is lacking. Provision of targeted written and verbal educational information during the pre-operative assessment is an effective method of increasing a patient's awareness of these topics. Increased patient awareness may empower patients in their post-operative recovery and enable them to make more informed decisions regarding VTE prophylaxis options.