A review of otolaryngology equipment provision in a peripheral clinic setting

To assess the adequacy of otolaryngology equipment provision in peripheral outpatient clinics.

Prospective questionnaire study.

Five peripheral otolaryngology clinics in the Highlands of Scotland. (Thurso, Golspie, Dingwall, Fort William and Skye).

All patients attending the above clinics over a six-month period.

The questionnaire return rate was 70%. 30% of patients may have had improved care had the equipment provision been adequate. Nine percent of patients required to be reviewed elsewhere due to inadequate equipment. The annual cost of these reviews exceeds 15,000 Pounds.

The provision of adequate clinic equipment would have medium to long term economic advantages and also has relevance in relation to clinical governance and potential medico-legal concerns. The results of this review are timely as a recent BAO-HNS document has confirmed the equipment provision we describe above as being at the minimal acceptable level.