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Improving otitis externa management in secondary care through a standardised treatment algorithm

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 December 2023

Waseem Hasan Open the ORCID record for Waseem Hasan [Opens in a new window] ,
Jessica Kennett ,
Zineb Bentounsi ,
Aria Amir-Ghasemi ,
Huw Jones  and
Timothy Biggs
Waseem Hasan*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
Jessica Kennett
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
Zineb Bentounsi
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
Aria Amir-Ghasemi
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
Huw Jones
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
Timothy Biggs
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
*
Corresponding author: Waseem Hasan; Email: waseem.hasan@uhs.nhs.uk
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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.

Keywords

Otitis externadrug prescriptionsquality improvement
Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 138 , Issue 6 , June 2024 , pp. 615 - 620
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

Waseem Hasan takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

Presented at the British Society of Otology's Annual Meeting, 4 May 2023, London, UK

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