O1 Admission avoidance in tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess: a prospective national audit during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 outbreak, the collaborative network for ENT trainees in the UK (INTEGRATE), conducted a multi-centre prospective audit on the management of Tonsillitis and Quinsy. This was in response to the implementation of new COVID-19 specific guidelines released by ENT UK and to explore factors relating to unscheduled re-presentations discharges direct from the Emergency Department (ED). Methods Consecutive patients with suspected tonsillitis or quinsy, aged 18 or over, and referred to ENT in secondary care were eligible for inclusion. Data was collected, using a standardised electronic case report form, relating to patient demographics, COVID-19 status, clinicians’ grade, assessment and interventions. Each case was followed-up for 10 days to assess predictors of unscheduled re-presentation after discharge direct from the ED. Results 83 centres submitted 765 tonsillitis and 416 quinsy cases. 54.4% of tonsillitis cases and 45.3% of quinsy were discharged directly from the ED. 9.6% of tonsillitis and 10.3% of quinsy discharges re-presented within 10 days, compared to 9.7% and 10.6% for those initially admitted. IV steroids were given to 67.0% of tonsillitis patients and 73.6% of quinsy. 77.2% of quinsy patients underwent drainage during their initial presentation, but there was no significant difference in re-presentation rate in those drained vs not-drained (p = 0.85). Univariable logistic regression showed no significant predictors of re-presentation within 10 days. Conclusion Management of tonsillitis and quinsy was affected during the initial peak of the pandemic, with a shift towards outpatient care. Some patients who may previously have been admitted to hospital may be safely discharged from the ED.