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Demographic factors associated with loss to follow up in the management of chronic otitis media: case–control study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 December 2015

R Nash ,
R Fox ,
R Srinivasan ,
A Majithia  and
A Singh
R Nash*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
R Fox
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
R Srinivasan
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
A Majithia
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
A Singh
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Robert Nash, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, London HA1 3UJ, UK E-mail: mr.robert.nash@gmail.com
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Abstract

Objective:

The likelihood of a patient attending regular follow up can affect decision making when planning and performing tympanomastoid surgery. This study investigated whether demographic factors were associated with loss to follow up.

Methods:

A database of patients who had been investigated and treated for chronic otitis media was searched. Patients lost to follow up and a matching sample of patients who were formally discharged were identified. The demographic factors of age, sex and postcode were compared between the two groups. The information collected was also used to provide measures of deprivation.

Results:

Fifty patients in each group were identified. Patients lost to follow up were significantly younger than patients formally discharged (p < 0.02), and were more likely to live in an area of education and training deprivation (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Younger patient age, and living in an area of education and training deprivation, are associated with a higher incidence of loss to follow up.

Keywords

Otitis MediaOutpatient Clinics, HospitalHealth Facility Administration
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 130 , Issue 2 , February 2016 , pp. 166 - 168
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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