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Altamimi AA, Brennan-Jones CG, Robinson M, Kuthubutheen J, Herbert H, Tran TT, Veselinović T, Edmunds M, Oremulé B, Alenezi EM, Richmond PC, Choi RS, Li I. A hospital-based asynchronous ENT telehealth service for children with otitis media: Cost-minimisation and improved access. J Telemed Telecare 2024:1357633X231223994. [PMID: 38295365 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x231223994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
AIM The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of a hospital-based asynchronous ear, nose, and throat (ENT) telehealth service (the Ear Portal) in reducing cost and improving access for children with otitis media. METHODS Participants were recruited to the Ear Portal from a tertiary hospital ENT waiting list. Ear and hearing assessments were conducted during appointments by the Ear Portal research assistant, and data was stored for an asynchronous review by the Ear Portal multidisciplinary team. A cost-minimisation analysis was conducted for the Ear Portal and the standard care pathways. Waiting times to provide care for both pathways were calculated for children with semi-urgent (i.e. Category 2) and non-urgent (i.e. Category 3) referrals. RESULTS The running cost for the Ear Portal was $67.70 for initial appointments and $37.34 for follow-up appointments. Conversely, the running cost for the standard care pathway was $154.65 for initial appointments and $86.10 for follow-up appointments. A total of 223 appointments were required to offset the initial Ear Portal investment of $19,384.00. The median waiting time for the Ear Portal from initial contact to care plan delivery was <30 days, whereas the median waiting times for children in the standard care pathway were 291 days (interquartile range (IQR) = 117) for Category 2 and 371 days (IQR = 311) for Category 3 referrals. CONCLUSION Under the current circumstances, the Ear Portal service can reduce costs for the health care system by reducing marginal costs per patient in addition to providing ENT specialist care within the clinically recommended timeframes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ah Altamimi
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, Kuwait
| | - Christopher G Brennan-Jones
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
- Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia
- School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Monique Robinson
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Jafri Kuthubutheen
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
- Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Hayley Herbert
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
- Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia
| | | | - Tamara Veselinović
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Melinda Edmunds
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
- School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Babatunde Oremulé
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Paediatric ENT Department, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Eman Ma Alenezi
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kuwait University, Kuwait
| | - Peter C Richmond
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
- Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Robyn Sm Choi
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Ian Li
- School of Management and Marketing, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia
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Nash K, Macniven R, Clague L, Coates H, Fitzpatrick M, Gunasekera H, Gwynne K, Halvorsen L, Harkus S, Holt L, Lumby N, Neal K, Orr N, Pellicano E, Rambaldini B, McMahon C. Ear and hearing care programs for First Nations children: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:380. [PMID: 37076841 PMCID: PMC10116763 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09338-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ear and hearing care programs are critical to early detection and management of otitis media (or middle ear disease). Otitis media and associated hearing loss disproportionately impacts First Nations children. This affects speech and language development, social and cognitive development and, in turn, education and life outcomes. This scoping review aimed to better understand how ear and hearing care programs for First Nations children in high-income colonial-settler countries aimed to reduce the burden of otitis media and increase equitable access to care. Specifically, the review aimed to chart program strategies, map the focus of each program against 4 parts of a care pathway (prevention, detection, diagnosis/management, rehabilitation), and to identify the factors that indicated the longer-term sustainability and success of programs. METHOD A database search was conducted in March 2021 using Medline, Embase, Global Health, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and Academic Search Premier. Programs were eligible or inclusion if they had either been developed or run at any time between January 2010 to March 2021. Search terms encompassed terms such as First Nations children, ear and hearing care, and health programs, initiatives, campaigns, and services. RESULTS Twenty-seven articles met the criteria to be included in the review and described a total of twenty-one ear and hearing care programs. Programs employed strategies to: (i) connect patients to specialist services, (ii) improve cultural safety of services, and (iii) increase access to ear and hearing care services. However, program evaluation measures were limited to outputs or the evaluation of service-level outcome, rather than patient-based outcomes. Factors which contributed to program sustainability included funding and community involvement although these were limited in many cases. CONCLUSION The result of this study highlighted that programs primarily operate at two points along the care pathway-detection and diagnosis/management, presumably where the greatest need lies. Targeted strategies were used to address these, some which were limited in their approach. The success of many programs are evaluated as outputs, and many programs rely on funding sources which can potentially limit longer-term sustainability. Finally, the involvement of First Nations people and communities typically only occurred during implementation rather than across the development of the program. Future programs should be embedded within a connected system of care and tied to existing policies and funding streams to ensure long term viability. Programs should be governed and evaluated by First Nations communities to further ensure programs are sustainable and are designed to meet community needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Nash
- The Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Rona Macniven
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Liesa Clague
- Thurru Indigenous Unit, College of Medicine, Health and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Harvey Coates
- The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | | | - Kylie Gwynne
- The Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education, Sydney, Australia
| | - Luke Halvorsen
- The Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Leanne Holt
- Department of Indigenous Studies, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Noeleen Lumby
- The Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Neil Orr
- The Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Boe Rambaldini
- The Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education, Sydney, Australia
| | - Catherine McMahon
- The Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education, Sydney, Australia
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Moecke DP, Holyk T, Beckett M, Chopra S, Petlitsyna P, Girt M, Kirkham A, Kamurasi I, Turner J, Sneddon D, Friesen M, McDonald I, Denson-Camp N, Crosbie S, Camp PG. Scoping review of telehealth use by Indigenous populations from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. J Telemed Telecare 2023:1357633X231158835. [PMID: 36911983 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x231158835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telehealth has the potential to address health disparities experienced by Indigenous people, especially in remote areas. This scoping review aims to map and characterize the existing evidence on telehealth use by Indigenous people and explore the key concepts for effective use, cultural safety, and building therapeutic relationships. METHODS A search for published and gray literature, written in English, and published between 2000 and 2022 was completed in 17 electronic databases. Two reviewers independently screened retrieved records for eligibility. For included articles, data were extracted, categorized, and analyzed. Synthesis of findings was performed narratively. RESULTS A total of 321 studies were included. The most popular type of telehealth used was mHealth (44%), and the most common health focuses of the telehealth interventions were mental health (26%) and diabetes/diabetic retinopathy (13%). Frequently described barriers to effective telehealth use included concerns about privacy/confidentiality and limited internet availability; meanwhile, telehealth-usage facilitators included cultural relevance and community engagement. Although working in collaboration with Indigenous communities was the most frequently reported way to achieve cultural safety, 40% of the studies did not report Indigenous involvement. Finally, difficulty to establish trusting therapeutic relationships was a major concern raised about telehealth, and evidence suggests that having the first visit-in-person is a potential way to address this issue. CONCLUSION This comprehensive review identified critical factors to guide the development of culturally-informed telehealth services to meet the needs of Indigenous people and to achieve equitable access and positive health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Petry Moecke
- University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Travis Holyk
- Carrier Sekani Family Services, Prince George, Canada
| | - Madelaine Beckett
- University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sunaina Chopra
- University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Mirha Girt
- 1974Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Ivan Kamurasi
- University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Justin Turner
- University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Donovan Sneddon
- University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Ian McDonald
- University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada
| | | | | | - Pat G Camp
- University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Ingram MC, Becker S, Olson SL, Tsai S, Sarkar A, Rothstein DH, Skarsgard ED, Raval MV. Disparities in surgical health service delivery and outcomes for indigenous children. J Pediatr Surg 2023; 58:375-383. [PMID: 36241445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence of health disparities for Indigenous children requiring surgical care is lacking. We present a systematic review of the literature examining possible disparities in surgical care and outcomes for pediatric patients of Indigenous ethnicity. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Cochrane, MEDLINE, gray literature. METHODS Literature review, using PubMed, Cochrane, MEDLINE, and gray literature was conducted to identify articles published more than 2010-2020 examining children's surgical health service delivery (epidemiology, access, operations provided) and outcomes for pediatric patients of Indigenous ethnicity compared with others. Extracted data included study design, setting, participant race/ethnicity, operations examined, and surgical outcomes. Article quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scales. RESULTS From 411 abstracts, 125 articles were reviewed and 33 included for data abstraction. These were cohort and cross-sectional studies investigating a wide range of patient populations and procedures across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Articles were organized naturally by theme into birth malformations (15 articles), trauma (6 articles), pediatric general surgery/appendicitis (5 articles), pediatric otolaryngology (6 articles), and renal transplant (1 article) surgery. Four articles also described access and resource utilization related to inpatient care. Notable disparities observed included apparent increased prevalence of gastroschisis, rates of traumatic fatality, non accidental injury, and self harm among North American Indigenous children. CONCLUSIONS Indigenous children appear to be vulnerable to a number of health and treatment outcome disparities related to conditions treated by surgeons. Surgeons are thus uniquely poised to act in identifying and eliminating Indigenous ethnicity-based pediatric health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha-Conley Ingram
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
| | - Sasha Becker
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sydney L Olson
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Stacy Tsai
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Arjun Sarkar
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - David H Rothstein
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Erik D Skarsgard
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mehul V Raval
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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5
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Poirier B, Quirino L, Allen M, Wilson R, Stephens J. The role of Indigenous Health Workers in ear health screening programs for Indigenous children: a scoping review. Aust N Z J Public Health 2022; 46:604-613. [PMID: 35924899 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and describe the involvement of Indigenous Health Workers within ear health screening programs for Indigenous Peoples in Australia, Canada, the US and New Zealand. METHODS Peer-reviewed and grey literature sources were systematically searched to identify evidence. This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the scoping review extension of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS Forty pieces of evidence were included in this review. While almost all included studies identified the critical role of Indigenous Health Workers in ear and hearing health, Indigenous leadership and involvement in research projects and service delivery varied significantly and none of the included studies reported Indigenous health worker perspectives. Approximately half of the authorship teams had at least one Indigenous author. CONCLUSIONS There is a clear need for Indigenous leadership in ear and hearing health research and programming. Specialist teams involved in health service delivery and research need to enable this transition by understanding and privileging Indigenous leadership and investing in appropriate training for non-Indigenous specialists providing care in Indigenous health contexts. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH These findings are discussed in terms of opportunities to improve Indigenous ear and hearing health research and programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Poirier
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia
| | | | - Michelle Allen
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia
| | - Roland Wilson
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia
| | - Jacqueline Stephens
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia.,Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, South Australia
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Yang A, Kim D, Hwang PH, Lechner M. Telemedicine and Telementoring in Rhinology, Otology, and Laryngology: A Scoping Review. OTO Open 2022; 6:2473974X211072791. [PMID: 35274073 PMCID: PMC8902203 DOI: 10.1177/2473974x211072791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Telemedicine and telementoring have had a significant boost across
all medical and surgical specialties over the last decade and
especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this scoping
review is to synthesize the current use of telemedicine and
telementoring in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck
surgery. Data Sources PubMed and Cochrane Library. Review Methods A scoping review search was conducted, which identified 469
articles. Following full-text screening by 2 researchers, 173
articles were eligible for inclusion and further categorized via
relevant subdomains. Conclusions Virtual encounters and telementoring are the 2 main applications of
telemedicine in otolaryngology. These applications can be
classified into 7 subdomains. Different ear, nose, and throat
subspecialties utilized certain telemedicine applications more
than others; for example, almost all articles on patient
engagement tools are rhinology based. Overall, telemedicine is
feasible, showing similar concordance when compared with
traditional methods; it is also cost-effective, with high
patient and provider satisfaction. Implications for Practice Telemedicine in otorhinolaryngology has been widely employed during
the COVID-19 pandemic and has a huge potential, especially with
regard to its distributing quality care to rural areas. However,
it is important to note that with current exponential use, it is
equally crucial to ensure security and privacy and integrate
HIPAA-compliant systems (Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act) in the big data era. It is expected that
many more applications developed during the pandemic are here to
stay and will be refined in years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Dayoung Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Peter H. Hwang
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Matt Lechner
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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A systematic review of remote otological assessment using video-otoscopy over the past 10 years: reliability and applications. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 278:4733-4741. [PMID: 33486567 PMCID: PMC7828099 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-020-06596-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This systematic review describes and evaluates the current literature on remote otological assessment using video-otoscopy with regards to reliability and potential applications. Methods Systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. There was heterogeneity of included studies, so a descriptive analysis was undertaken. Results Seventeen studies were included for analysis conducted across a variety of healthcare settings. Overall, there was a trend towards acquisition of adequate images for diagnosis by non-otolaryngology-specialist facilitators with reasonable agreement between asynchronous images and controls; however, there was significant variation between the studies. Conclusion Remote otological assessment using video-otoscopy shows potential as a safe and effective method for detecting the presence of ear disease in a wide range of healthcare settings. Barriers to the acquisition of adequate images include the presence of obstructing cerumen, and strategies to deal with this should be considered. Further work is required to evaluate endoscope-based systems to assess whether they will allow the acquisition of higher quality images.
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8
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Jacups SP, Kinchin I, Edwards L. Participatory Action Research Applied to an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialty Service Redesign in Remote Australia: A Mixed-Methods Study of Key Stakeholder Perspectives. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:ijerph18010167. [PMID: 33383696 PMCID: PMC7796165 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This mixed-methods study reports on the key stakeholders’ perspectives on the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) service redesign in remote Australia, using a participatory action research (PAR) approach. A primary health care (PHC) clinician survey was conducted to assess local needs and possible educational gaps in clinical knowledge. This was followed by an internal stakeholder forum and a follow-up survey with Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service staff to gain their perspectives on current service delivery and table ideas for a new ENT health service model. Qualitative data were analyzed inductively and grouped in emerging themes. Quantitative data were imported into tables and analyzed descriptively. PAR allowed for input from 19 PHC clinicians, 10 face-to-face stakeholders perspectives, and 18 stakeholder follow-up survey respondents. Four themes emerged: 1. Training for health workers in ENT management; 2. Improved local service access; 3. New referral pathways to improve continuity of care; and 4. Introduction of telehealth. PAR engaged key stakeholders, identifying gaps in ENT service delivery, and guided the development of the new service model. The inclusion of stakeholders throughout the service redesign process is likely to create a more sustainable model of care which already has local “buy-in”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan P. Jacups
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia;
- The Cairns Institute, James Cook University, Smithfield, QLD 4879, Australia
| | - Irina Kinchin
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia;
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Layla Edwards
- Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
- Correspondence:
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9
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Cabrera CI, Ning AY, Cai Y, D'Anza B. Systematic Review of Telehealth Cost Minimization for Patients and Health Systems in Otolaryngology. Laryngoscope 2020; 131:1741-1748. [PMID: 33355932 DOI: 10.1002/lary.29321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in telehealth becoming commonplace in many health care fields. Telehealth benefits include improving access, decreasing costs, and elevating patient's experience. A review of cost minimization (CM) analyses was performed in order to explore scientific studies associated with integrating tele-otolaryngology in clinical practice. Our primary objective was to evaluate published literature for cost related to the implementation of telemedicine across otolaryngology, and to determine CM when compared to in-person visits. STUDY DESIGN Systematic Literature Review. METHODS We performed a systematic review using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane in May 2020, to identify studies with a cost analysis of tele-otolaryngology care. Inclusion criteria focused on articles citing CM data from telehealth services. Literature quality was assessed using the MINORS scoring system. RESULTS From 380 original articles screened only nine evaluated cost in otolaryngology. CM in the US ranged from $68 to $900 per visit. Cost was evaluated in general otolaryngology, sleep medicine, otology, and head and neck cancer surgery, the latter had the most benefit. The most common types of telehealth visits were routine follow-up and screening. Data were insufficient for meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine has been trialed across various otolaryngology subspecialties; its incorporation is projected to have a meaningful impact on access to specialty care. This research suggests that the delivery of virtual care reduces cost with the potential of increasing net revenue across multiple otolaryngology subspecialties. Further studies are needed to better discern the entirety of cost savings and the best settings for integration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 131:1741-1748, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia I Cabrera
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.,Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
| | - Anne Y Ning
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
| | - Yida Cai
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
| | - Brian D'Anza
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.,Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
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10
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Gotis-Graham A, Macniven R, Kong K, Gwynne K. Effectiveness of ear, nose and throat outreach programmes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038273. [PMID: 33243792 PMCID: PMC7692829 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the ability of ear, nose and throat (ENT) outreach programmes to improve health outcomes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search of nine databases (Medline, CINAHLS, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, Global health, Informit Rural health database and Indigenous collection) and grey literature sources for primary studies evaluating ENT outreach services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This review included English language studies of all types, published between 2000 and 2018, that supplied ENT outreach services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and provided data to evaluate their aims. Two authors independently evaluated the eligible articles and extracted relevant information. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool. RESULTS Of the 506 studies identified, 15 were included in this review. These 15 studies evaluated eight different programs/activities. Studies were heterogeneous in design so a meta-analysis could not be conducted. Seven studies measured health-related outcomes in middle ear or hearing status; six reported overall positive changes one reported no clinically significant improvements. Five programmes/activities and their corresponding studies involved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations in delivery and evaluation, but involvement in programme or study design was unclear. CONCLUSION While some studies demonstrated improved outcomes, the overall ability of ENT programmes to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is unclear. The impact of ENT outreach may be limited by a lack of quality evidence, service coordination and sustainability. Community codesign and supporting and resourcing local capacity must be a component of outreach programmes and ongoing evaluation is also recommended. Improvements in these areas would likely improve health outcomes. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019134757.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gotis-Graham
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rona Macniven
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Population Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kelvin Kong
- The University of Newcastle, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kylie Gwynne
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
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11
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Jacups SP, McConnon KM. Reducing ear, nose and throat (ENT) waitlists: Implications of a referral audit. Health Policy 2018; 123:333-337. [PMID: 30638729 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many specialist waitlists in Australian hospitals are long. One reason anecdotally reported for this is poor alignment of referrals with current recommended guidelines. This paper reports the findings of an audit undertaken in 2017 for ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon referrals submitted by primary health centres within Cape York, Australia. MATERIALS AND METHODS 54 long-wait ENT referrals were reviewed against referral criteria for ENT presentations using the Clinical Prioritization Criteria (CPC) and two routinely applied clinical primary health care guidelines; with findings reported alongside patient demography. RESULTS All of the long wait ENT referrals in the sample were for remote living Indigenous Australians, most were children (93%). One fifth of referrals fulfilled all referral criteria and were appropriate (22%); one third required further informaiton to support the referral, either audiology or clinical history (30%); and half were inappropriate referrals (48%). CONCLUSION Although many referral submissions did not adhere to CPC or routine guidelines, this audit enabled the identification of improvements to the referral system including the development of a checklist and flow-chart, plus patient information resources aimed at improving patient adherence. A case can be made for a new service delivery model that provides ongoing primary health education and facilitates improved ENT access. These strategies may improve ENT referral quality and decongest current ENT specialist waitlists, while offering improved primary health care management of ear presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan P Jacups
- Medical Services, Torres and Cape York Hospital and Health Service, Australia; The Cairns Institute, James Cook University, Australia; Apunipima Cape York Health Council, Cairns, Australia.
| | - Kate M McConnon
- Medical Services, Torres and Cape York Hospital and Health Service, Australia; Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Australia
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Jacups SP, Kinchin I, McConnon KM. Ear, nose, and throat surgical access for remote living Indigenous children: What is the least costly model? J Eval Clin Pract 2018; 24:1330-1338. [PMID: 30311714 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES This costing evaluation compares three service delivery models for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery for remote living Indigenous children to improve their hearing outcomes, with the aim to identify the least costly model. METHODS The main outcome measure presented was the incremental cost difference between the base case (Model 1) and two alternative models (Model 2, 3). The costs in 2017 Australian dollars are assessed from two viewpoints: (1) health system perspective, and (2) patients and their families including travel out-of-pocket expenses, presented separately according to the funding source. RESULTS Findings indicate that the least costly model offered low-risk ENT surgery from a state funded hospital in a remote setting, with high use of videoconference technology: TeleHealth (Model 3) could save $3626 to $5067 per patient, compared with patients travelling to a regional centre public hospital (Model 1). A federally funded scheme which allowed groups of patients to access a direct flight charter transfer to the private hospital in regional centre (Model 2) reduced the cost by $2178 to $2711 per patient when compared with standard care (Model 1). From a societal perspective, Model 1 required out-of-pocket patient expenses, with greater time away from home, and hence appears the least preferred option. CONCLUSIONS The sensitivity analyses also demonstrate that Model 3 would be the more economical model for providing ENT surgery for remote living children. By proving an accurate assessment of the true costs of delivering these important ear and hearing health services, strategic health service planners may be better informed and sufficient budgets can be allocated to provide improved service delivery. The benefits of Model 3, over Models 1 or 2, would also incorporate improvements to patient safety as a result of reducing patient travel, which should in-turn, reduce failure-to-attend rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan P Jacups
- Medical Services, Torres and Cape York Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, Australia.,The Cairns Institute, James Cook University, Australia
| | - Irina Kinchin
- The Cairns Institute, James Cook University, Australia.,Centre for Indigenous Health Equity Research, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Kate M McConnon
- Medical Services, Torres and Cape York Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, Australia.,Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Australia
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