Main Theme: Otology
Background:
A GP-led rhinology clinic was introduced in the ENT Department at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), Temple Street, to manage patients aged 9 or older with epistaxis and patients aged 12 or older with nasal obstruction/congestion. This study aimed to evaluate the service, including parental satisfaction.
Methods:
The prospective database of patients directed to this service was analyzed to determine the number of patients seen and their outcomes. An anonymized electronic survey (SurveyMonkey) was sent to all patients who attended the clinic, with approval from the CHI Research Ethics Committee.
Results:
78 patients met the inclusion criteria for the service. 5 patients accepted the appointment but then did not attend. 1 patient declined an appointment because the issue had resolved. 1 patient preferred to remain on the consultant waiting list. 7 patients were referred to the consultant clinic by the GP for further evaluation. 54 patients were successfully discharged following GP-led management. Survey responses indicate that most families reported high levels of satisfaction with the clinic.
Conclusion:
A GP-led rhinology clinic may provide a safe and efficient pathway for managing selected pediatric rhinology referrals while preserving consultant capacity for more complex cases. High levels of patient and family satisfaction support the continued development of this model of care.