gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: The ENT emergency clinic grants rapid access for patients presenting to the Emergency Department. The clinic is Senior House Officer (SHO) led and aims to relieve consultant clinic numbers, manage patient’s within three appointments and prevent unnecessary out of hour referrals. This study aims to review patient numbers, referral patterns?and whether management is complete within three appointments in accordance with the clinic protocol.

Method: A retrospective study over a two- month period. Patient attendance was recorded using the ENT clinic list and tracked using the hospital computer system. Case notes were used to document presenting complaints and reasons for follow up. Patient outcomes were also recorded.

Results: Ninety patients were reviewed, three did not attend. 87/90 (97%) patients were referred via the Emergency Department pathway. 79/90 (88%) patients presented with complaints suitable for an SHO led clinic with ear (35%), nose (30%) and throat (10%) complaints. 4/90 (4.4%) were inappropriate referrals. The remainder did not attend clinic or had no documentation available for that consultation. Two patients’ notes were not available. 3/90 (3%) of patients assessed in the clinic were managed in >3 appointments. 54 % of patients were discharged and 33% of patients were referred to a consultant led clinic.

Conclusion: The clinic provides an important service and is largely successful in achieving its objectives. Inappropriate referrals must be highlighted via education to maintain a safe and valuable service. Neighboring ENT departments who do not have an ENT casualty clinic will follow this standard of management.

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