Evaluating the Appropriateness of ENT Emergency Clinic Referrals to Enhance the Quality of Healthcare Provision in the National Health Service (NHS)

Background Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) services in the National Health Service (NHS) face escalating pressure, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in prolonged waiting times and increased referrals. Understanding the factors driving pressure on ENT services is crucial for enhancing patient care and resource allocation. Methods A retrospective single-centre cohort study was conducted at Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK, over five weeks. A total of 156 referrals to the ENT Emergency Clinic (E-Clinic) were analyzed, assessing the appropriateness of referrals and healthcare professionals' involvement in reviewing cases. Results The analysis revealed 28 distinct case categories, with certain conditions being predominant in specific reviews (e.g., otitis externa, nasal fractures, epistaxis). Notably, 21.8% of cases were deemed unsuitable or inappropriate for E-Clinic assessment. Strategic restructuring was suggested, distributing cases among healthcare professionals based on expertise and complexity. Discussion The findings underscore the need for a refined referral process and appropriate allocation of cases, emphasising the importance of nurse-led reviews for certain conditions and the necessity for senior review in complex cases. Improving the primary-secondary care interface and educating healthcare professionals on appropriate referrals are crucial for refining the system. Conclusion Optimising the quality of referrals and allocation of cases within ENT E-Clinics can alleviate workload pressures and enhance patient care. Strategic distribution of cases based on expertise and complexity, alongside refined referral processes, can significantly improve clinic efficiency and patient outcomes in the NHS.

Day case adenotonsillectomy for paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea: a review of the evidence

BACKGROUND

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are two of the most commonly performed procedures by otolaryngologist, especially in the paediatric population. Most common indications for adenotonsillectomy in the paediatric population include recurrent tonsillitis, otitis media (glue ear) and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Whilst adenotonsillectomy is routinely performed as a day case for recurrent tonsillitis, many surgeons advocate an overnight stay for patients for OSA. The practice of keeping these patients in overnight for saturation monitoring is widely undertaken. There has been some dispute as to whether this is required.

OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW

This review sets out to consider the evidence supporting the safety of day case adenotonsillectomies for paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

SEARCH STRATEGY

The available literature between 2004 and 2017 was reviewed via searches on Pubmed, Medline, EMBASE and Google Scholar. The search terms used were: Adenotonsillectomy, day case, paediatric, obstructive sleep apnoea, and complications.

RESULTS

A literature search identified 31 articles that were relevant to our review. After screening six articles were appropriate for inclusion in this review paper, all were retrospective reviews of case notes. 1463 children out of 1992 (including at least 207 children with comorbidities who were kept overnight) children had day case adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea. Tonsillectomy techniques were not discussed in any of the papers.

CONCLUSION

Day case adenotonsillectomy for children between 3 and 17 years who appears to be a safe option with a growing body of evidence. Large randomised control trials would likely add weight to this conclusion and help change the mind-set of clinicians.