Otoendoscopes to Enhance Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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.Keywords
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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