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Streamlining grommet pathways for otitis media with effusion and hearing loss in children: our experience

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 September 2018

O McLaren ,
E C Toll ,
R Easto ,
E Willis ,
S Harris  and
J Rainsbury
O McLaren*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Torbay Hospital, Torquay, UK
E C Toll
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Torbay Hospital, Torquay, UK
R Easto
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, UK
E Willis
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
S Harris
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
J Rainsbury
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Mr Oliver McLaren, Department of Otolaryngology, Torbay Hospital, Lawes Bridge Road, Torquay TQ2 7AA, UK E-mail: oliver.mclaren@nhs.net
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Abstract

Background

Grommet insertion is a common surgical procedure in children. Long waiting times for grommet insertion are not unusual. This project aimed to streamline the process by introducing a pathway for audiologists to directly schedule children meeting National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Clinical Guideline 60 (‘CG60’) for grommet insertion.

Method and results

A period from June to November 2014 was retrospectively audited. Mean duration between the first audiology appointment and grommet insertion was 294.5 days (median = 310 days). Implementing the direct-listing pathway reduced the duration between first audiology appointment and grommet insertion (mean = 232 days; median = 231 days). There has been a reduction in the time between the first audiology appointment and surgery (mean difference of 62.5 days; p = 0.024), and a reduction in the time between second audiology appointment and surgery (28 days; p = 0.009).

Conclusion

Direct-listing pathways for grommet insertion can reduce waiting times and expedite surgery. Implementation involves a simple alteration of current practice, adhering to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Clinical Guideline 60. The ultimate decision regarding surgery still rests with ENT specialists.

Keywords

Otitis Media With EffusionOtitis MediaAudiologyHearing LossChildren
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 132 , Issue 10 , October 2018 , pp. 881 - 884
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited, 2018 

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Footnotes

Mr O McLaren takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

References

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