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ENT and general practice: a study of paediatric ENT problems seen in general practice and recommendations for general
M J Donnelly1, M S Quraishi, D P McShane
1Department of Otolaryngology, National Children's Hospital, Dublin 2.
Insights
General practitioners (GPs) report that approximately 50% of pediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) issues form their workload. Improved undergraduate and postgraduate otolaryngology training is crucial for addressing these common childhood conditions.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- General Practice
- Medical Education
Background:
- Pediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) problems represent a significant portion of general practitioner (GP) workload.
- Infections of the upper respiratory tract and associated organs are the most frequent complaints encountered.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the proportion of GP workload attributed to pediatric ENT issues.
- To evaluate the current otolaryngology teaching structure in Irish universities.
- To identify areas for improvement in postgraduate ENT training for GPs.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was administered to 225 general practitioners.
- Analysis of referral rates from GPs to ENT outpatient clinics.
- Examination of undergraduate and postgraduate ENT curricula in Irish universities.
Main Results:
- Approximately 50% of pediatric medical consultations with GPs involve ENT problems.
- The monthly referral rate of pediatric patients to ENT clinics was 4.3%.
- Undergraduate ENT curriculum extent was significantly improved by professorial unit appointments, while postgraduate exposure was deemed inadequate.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric ENT problems are highly prevalent in general practice, necessitating enhanced otolaryngology education.
- Current postgraduate ENT training for non-specialist GPs is insufficient.
- Recommendations are proposed to improve postgraduate ENT training for general practitioners.
Abstract:
A questionnaire survey of 225 general practitioners was carried out to establish the proportion of their workload formed by paediatric ENT problems. Approximately 50% of children seeking medical care from their general practitioners had problems in this area. Infections of the upper respiratory tract and associated organs were the most commonly dealt with complaints. The monthly referral rate by GPs of paediatric patients in their practice to an ENT outpatient clinic was 4.3%. As ENT problems are seen so commonly in general practice it is important that teaching of otolaryngology at undergraduate and postgraduate levels is emphasised. We examined the present teaching structure of ENT in Irish universities and established that the appointment of a professorial unit dramatically improved the extent of the undergraduate curriculum. Non-specialist postgraduate ENT exposure was found to be inadequate and a number of mechanisms to improve postgraduate ENT training for GPs are suggested.