Sharing in-office otoendoscopy recordings may improve patient satisfaction: A prospective cohort study

Evaluate the impact of sharing otoendoscopy exams on patient satisfaction in the outpatient clinical setting.

Randomized, prospective cohort study. Consecutive adults presenting to otology clinic at one tertiary referral center were randomized into two groups: standard microscopy (SM) and video otoendoscopy (VO). The SM group had ears examined using a standard, otomicroscope; the VO group had ears examined using a 0° rigid endoscope connected to a video tower. All subjects were counseled on their exam findings in a routine manner; the VO group was concurrently shown a recording of their ear exam. All subjects completed the 18-item Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18) at the conclusion of their clinic visit.

The SM group consisted of 27 patients and VO group consisted of 23 patients. VO subjects reported higher PSQ-18 scores compared to SM subjects within the domains of communication (p = 0.04) and technical quality (p = 0.005). On linear regression models, demographic factors and positive exam findings were not predictive of patient satisfaction.

Sharing otoendoscopy recordings may be a valuable tool that can improve patient satisfaction.

Clinicians should consider sharing recordings of otoscopic exams with patients, particularly when faced with the possibility of surgery.