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Otoendoscopes to Enhance Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Ronner, Evette A; Stenerson, Matthew E; Goldschmidt, Nicole H; Chari, Divya A; Diercks, Gillian R; Lee, Daniel J; Keamy, Donald G; Mankarious, Leila A; Cohen, Michael S.
  • Ronner EA; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA.
  • Stenerson ME; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
  • Goldschmidt NH; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
  • Chari DA; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
  • Diercks GR; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
  • Lee DJ; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
  • Keamy DG; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
  • Mankarious LA; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
  • Cohen MS; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol ; 131(10): 1115-1122, 2022 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1495820
ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES:

As telemedicine has become increasingly utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic, portable otoendoscopy offers a method to perform an ear examination at home. The objective of this pilot study was to assess the quality of otoendoscopic images obtained by non-medical individuals and to determine the effect of a simple training protocol on image quality.

METHODS:

Non-medical participants were recruited and asked to capture images of the tympanic membrane before and after completion of a training module, as well as complete a survey about their experience using the otoendoscope. Images were de-identified, randomized, and evaluated by 6 otolaryngologists who were blinded as to whether training had been performed prior to the image capture. Images were rated using a 5-point Likert scale.

RESULTS:

Completion of a training module resulted in a significantly higher percentage of tympanic membrane visible on otoendoscopic images, as well as increased physician confidence in identifying middle ear effusion/infection, cholesteatoma, and deferring an in-person otoscopy (P < .0001). However, even with improved image quality, in most cases, physicians reported that they would not feel comfortable using the images to for diagnosis or to defer an in-person examination. Most participants reported that the otoendoscope was simple to use and that they would feel comfortable paying for the device.

CONCLUSIONS:

At-home otoendoscopes can offer a sufficient view of the tympanic membrane in select cases. The use of a simple training tool can significantly improve image quality, though often not enough to replace an in-person otoscopic exam.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Otitis Media / Telemedicine / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 00034894211051810

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Otitis Media / Telemedicine / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 00034894211051810