An Audit of Referrals to the Minor Operating Theater of the Patient
Presenting in Otolaryngology OPD with Ear Discharge
Abstract
Abstract Introduction: Despite a larger frequency of OPD patients
requiring treatment, why is it not done in OPD should be addressed.
Because there is no suction equipment in the ENT OPD, these patients who
require suctioning are referred to ENT Emergency Room. This is a source
of undue inconvenience for patients. This not only poses a risk to
patient safety, but it also has major financial consequences, as well as
a negative impact on patient satisfaction, which is a key indicator of
treatment quality. Methods: This is a closed-loop audit cycle beginning
with recognition of the problem and assessing the magnitude of the
problem. Based on the burden of referrals to the MOT, the auditors
proposed the changes in practice under hospital OPD guidelines enacted
by Pakistan Otolaryngology Association. Results: A significant
percentage of 52.5 is requiring ear suction in the first audit cycle.
The percentage of patients that had to be referred to ENT OT decreased
from 52.5% in the previous audit to a significantly low value of 9.5%
in this audit. This clinic’s role is to decrease the burden of
referrals, reduce patients’ misery of going to the ER for suctioning,
and improve patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Our study discerns the
fact that the implementation of some simple protocols will lead to an
immense change. The resultant reduction in clinical activity will lead
to a reduction in the workload of the doctors too.