Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Author Spotlight: Assessing the Feasibility of Using Amplitude-Integrated EEG During Neonatal Transport
Published on: June 21, 2024
A re-audit of paediatric ENT services in England and Wales
L Pabla1, P Finn1, K J Blackmore1
1James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS4 3BW, United Kingdom.
Insights
Paediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgical services in England and Wales show improvements in care and training since 2003. However, variations persist, particularly concerning acute pain services and hospital size.
Area of Science:
- Paediatric Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Healthcare Auditing
Background:
- Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) departments manage a significant paediatric workload.
- National guidelines exist for paediatric surgical service provision.
- Previous audits have assessed these services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To audit paediatric ENT services in England and Wales against national recommendations.
- To assess progress since the 2003 audit.
- To identify areas of improvement and variability.
Main Methods:
- A web-based questionnaire was distributed to 164 ENT departments.
- Data collected on theatre/anaesthetic provisions, facilities, and staff training.
- Responses categorized by hospital type (teaching, district general, specialist).
Main Results:
- A 56% response rate was achieved.
- Improvements noted in paediatric life support qualifications and anaesthetic supervision.
- Children's ward facilities and post-operative management showed enhancement.
- Provision of acute pain services remained suboptimal.
Conclusions:
- Paediatric ENT surgical services have generally improved in line with guidelines.
- Variability in service provision exists, often linked to hospital size.
- Further attention needed for specific areas like acute pain management.
Objectives:
ENT has a high paediatric workload. National recommendations for provision of paediatric surgical services are provided by three key documents produced by the Department of Health and Royal Colleges of Surgeons and Anaesthetists. This second cycle audit assesses the current state of paediatric services in ENT departments in England and Wales based on these recommendations and whether progress has been made since the first audit in 2003.
Methods:
A hyperlinked web-based questionnaire was e-mailed to ENT consultants in 164 ENT departments. The questionnaire addressed key areas recommended in the guidelines - theatre and anaesthetic provisions, inpatient/outpatients facilities and staff training. The responses were categorised according to hospital type - teaching hospitals, large or small district general hospitals and specialist stand-alone hospitals.
Results:
An overall response rate of 56% was achieved. Children's ward facilities remained high across all types of hospitals, with most having dedicated paediatric medical cover and specialised staff. There was an improvement in the number of staff qualified to provide paediatric life support. The level of anaesthetic supervision and expertise in theatres improved, as did the overall level of post-operative management. However, the provision of acute pain services remained relatively low.
Conclusions:
Overall there has been an improvement in the provision of paediatric surgical services in accordance with the guidelines but there remains variability in some aspects relating to the size of the hospital.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
01:19Standards of Care II
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...