Audit of otitis externa referrals and management in a tertiary care setting

To assess the initial management of acute otitis externa (AOE) in primary care and the appropriateness of referrals to the otolaryngology department.

Prospective audit.

Tertiary referral centre.

Data were collected from 100 consecutive patients referred by their general practitioners (GPs) during a 6-week period to our otolaryngology department. A working diagnosis of AOE was made either by the GP or in the otolaryngology urgent referral clinic.

The referring diagnosis, time lag before referral, investigations prior to initial management, and any patient advice given.

Of 100 patients referred, 98% had AOE, 60% were referred with a correct diagnosis, and 30% referred had no diagnosis. Of all the referrals, nearly half were prescribed oral antibiotics, with 11% being treated with oral antibiotics exclusively; 59% had topical antimicrobials prescribed; and 24% were given no treatment. Seventy-three percent of patients were referred within 2 weeks following initial presentation to primary care, and the majority received no advice regarding their condition and/or precautions.

AOE is one of the most common adult otologic conditions presenting to the GP. Based on our results, most patients presenting with this common problem are not receiving optimal initial management or advice prior to otolaryngology referral. Greater awareness of the correct management of AOE in the community is needed. An overview of AOE and its management is provided.