538 Patient Satisfaction from ENT Phone Consultations During COVID-19

Telephone consultations (TCs) have rapidly increased in the outpatient setting due to the coronavirus pandemic. We have implemented a quality improvement project to improve patient satisfaction of TCs in our unit. Method This was a prospective complete-cycle project, with online patient satisfaction questionnaires sent following TCs in ENT clinics. This consisted of 28 questions including the Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale (MISS-21). Based on results and a current literature review, a two-pronged intervention was designed, comprising of staff education and application of a model structured TC framework. A follow-up survey was subsequently undertaken. Results 100 patient questionnaires were collected (April & June 2020). Significant improvements in MISS-21 scores were seen over the two surveys (p = 0.026). An average MISS-21 score of 114.6 (range 49 – 147) was seen in the first survey, with a mean score of 128.5 (range 79 – 142) seen in the second (maximum score of 147). There was a significantly increased preference for TC over FTF appointments over the two surveys (p = 0.021). Conclusions We have shown significant improvements in patient satisfaction and an increased TC preference through use of a structured consultation model. Its potential benefits in infection control and impact on outpatient workload may see TCs persist in the post-coronavirus era.