Implementation of auricular malformation screenings in the newborn population
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Published on: February 2, 2015
Yi-Chun Carol Liu1, Sameer Kini2, Geran Barton3
1Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, One Baylor Plaza Suite NA-102, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, 6701 Fannin St, Suite 640, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
Insights
Early screening for infant ear deformities using a new protocol significantly increased identification rates. This leads to earlier intervention and improved outcomes for children with auricular malformations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Neonatal Screening
Background:
- Early intervention is crucial for treating infant auricular malformations.
- Traditional referral systems delay timely treatment for these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate a novel screening protocol for identifying auricular malformations in newborns.
- To expedite clinical visits and interventions for affected infants.
Main Methods:
- Hearing screen technicians (HSTs) were trained to identify common auricular malformations using a visual guide.
- HSTs examined infant pinnas during routine newborn hearing screenings.
- Immediate alerts were issued to the auricular malformation team upon identification, facilitating bedside consultations.
Main Results:
- The screening protocol led to a substantial increase in identification rates.
- Referrals rose from five in the pre-implementation period to eighteen in the post-implementation period.
- This resulted in earlier consultations for ear molding interventions.
Conclusions:
- A successful auricular malformation screening protocol integrated with newborn hearing screenings was implemented.
- The protocol enhanced the frequency of malformation identification.
- Earlier ENT consultations were achieved, aiming to improve patient satisfaction and treatment results.
Background And Objective:
Research has shown that it is important to initiate ear molding early for children with auricular malformations in order to achieve the best results. Currently our institute relies on the traditional primary care physician (PCP) referral system, which does not recognize the time sensitivity of the visit in patients with auricular malformations. The purpose of the current research is to implement a new screening protocol for identifying auricular malformations in the newborn population and thus expedite the clinic visit and necessary intervention.
Methods:
The hearing screen technicians (HSTs) were trained to identify some of the most common auricular malformations. A picture guide of 11 types of auricular malformations were given to the HSTs to use as a reference. At the time of the newborn hearing screen, the HSTs examined the pinnas of each baby. When an auricular malformation was identified, the auricular malformation team was immediately alerted and a bedside consultation with ENT occurred.
Results:
Comparison was made of the referral rate between pre- and post-implementation of the protocol which showed an increased rate of identification (five referrals in the 12-month period pre-implementation versus eighteen referrals in the 15-month period post-implementation).
Conclusion:
We successfully implemented an auricular malformation screening protocol that was linked to newborn hearing screenings. The frequency of identification has increased with the implementation of the new screening protocol and has resulted in earlier initial ENT consultations for ear molding with the goal of improving patient satisfaction and results.
