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A systematic review of outcomes of remote consultation in ENT
Author(s) -
Gupta Tanya,
Gkiousias Vasileios,
Bhutta Mahmood F.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
clinical otolaryngology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.914
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1749-4486
pISSN - 1749-4478
DOI - 10.1111/coa.13768
Subject(s) - medicine , referral , medline , telemedicine , patient satisfaction , medical emergency , patient safety , telehealth , health care , family medicine , nursing , political science , law , economics , economic growth
Aims Remote or tele‐consultation has become an emerging modality of consultation in many specialities, including ENT. Advantages include increasing accessibility, potential to reduce costs and, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, reduced risk of infection transmission. Here, we systematically collate and synthesise the evidence base on outcomes from remote consultation in adult and paediatric ENT services. Methods We performed a review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We searched Medline and Embase for relevant articles. Outcomes include specific patient pathway efficiency measures (including number of healthcare visits, lead time, touch time and handoff), patient/clinician satisfaction, cost analysis and safety implications. Results From 6325 articles screened, 53 met inclusion criteria. Publications included studies on remote consultation for initial, preoperative and follow‐up assessment (including postoperative). In most instances, remote consultation reduced costs and time from referral to assessment and was associated with high patient satisfaction. However, a face‐to‐face follow‐up appointment was required in 13%‐72% of initial consultations, suggesting that remote consultation is only appropriate in selected cases. Conclusion Remote consultation is appropriate and preferable for ENT consultation in specific conditions and circumstances. Future research should look to better define those conditions and circumstances, and report using recognised quality standards and outcome measures.