학술논문
Improving otitis externa management in secondary care through a standardised treatment algorithm.
Document Type
Article
Author
Source
Subject
*PSYCHOLOGY of physicians
*ANTIBIOTICS
*CUTANEOUS therapeutics
*MEDICAL quality control
*HUMAN services programs
*SELF-efficacy
*TERTIARY care
*RETROSPECTIVE studies
*TREATMENT effectiveness
*LONGITUDINAL method
*CONTENT mining
*WATER
*QUALITY assurance
*SOCIAL support
*OTITIS externa
*ALGORITHMS
*PREVENTIVE health services
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Language
ISSN
0022-2151
Abstract
Objective: Otitis externa is a common condition managed by junior doctor-led ENT clinics in secondary/tertiary care, but no national guidelines exist for presentations in these settings. The aim of this study was to implement a treatment algorithm to support junior doctors and improve otitis externa management. Methods: Baseline data were retrospectively collected for 16 weeks. A standardised otitis externa treatment algorithm was then implemented, and 16 weeks of data prospectively gathered. A second improvement cycle was completed thereafter focusing on topical antibiotics and water precaution advice. Results: Overall, 202 cases of otitis externa managed between November 2021 to October 2022 were reviewed. Following the interventions, topical antibiotic prescribing improved (p = 0.01) as well as the provision of water precaution advice (p < 0.01). Junior doctors trended towards reviewing patients more frequently but required less senior support. Conclusion: Our treatment algorithm empowers junior doctors to become more independent in their management of otitis externa and improves overall otitis externa treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]