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Consultation Intervention Rates for the Otolaryngology Service: A Large Metropolitan Hospital Experience
Matt Mors1, Colin Bohr1, Michael Fozo2
1McLaren Oakland Regional Medical Center.
Spartan Medical Research Journal
|March 3, 2021
Summary
Otolaryngology consultations at a large hospital revealed that many common issues like earaches and hearing loss could be managed in outpatient clinics. This suggests a need for better primary care and resident education to optimize hospital resource use.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Healthcare Management
- Medical Education
Background:
- Otolaryngology services in large metropolitan hospitals manage a wide range of patient consultations.
- Understanding the patterns of these consultations is crucial for resource allocation and service optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the types and frequency of consultations received by an otolaryngology service.
- To identify common reasons for otolaryngology referrals and assess the appropriateness of hospital consultations.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of otolaryngology consultations was conducted.
- Data from calendar year 2016 at a 772-bed metropolitan hospital were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A total of 518 consultations were reviewed.
- Low intervention rates were observed for dysphagia (32.3%), otalgia (20.8%), and hearing loss (13.3%).
- Epistaxis (nosebleed) was the most frequent reason for consultation; angioedema was the most common airway-related issue. Urgent surgery was performed in only 4.6% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Many common otolaryngology consultations, such as hearing loss evaluation and cerumen removal, could potentially be managed in outpatient settings.
- Findings suggest a need for enhanced continuing education for primary care providers and residents regarding appropriate hospital consultation criteria.
- Targeted educational initiatives for managing conditions like dysphagia and epistaxis could improve referral appropriateness and hospital efficiency.
