The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on elective paediatric otolaryngology outpatient services - An analysis of virtual outpatient clinics in a tertiary referral centre using the modified paediatric otolaryngology telemedicine satisfaction survey (POTSS).

INTRODUCTION: Virtual outpatient clinics (VOPC) have been integrated into both paediatric and based adult outpatient services due to a multitude of factors, including increased demand for services, technological advances and rising morbidity secondary to ageing populations. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has accentuated pressures on the National Health Service (NHS) infrastructure, particularly elective services, whilst radically altering patterns of practice. AIM: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric otolaryngology outpatient services whilst collating patient feedback to elicit long-term sustainability post COVID-19. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of VOPCs was undertaken at a tertiary paediatric referral centre over a 3-month capture period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic, generic clinic (presenting complaint, new vs. follow-up, consultation type), as well as outcome data (medical or surgical intervention, discharge vs. ongoing review, onward referral, investigations, and conversion to face-to-face) was collated. Additionally a modified 15-point patient satisfaction survey was created. The Paediatric Otolaryngology Telemedicine Satisfaction survey (POTSS), was an adaptation of 4 validated patient satisfaction tools including the General Medical Council (GMC) patient questionnaire, the telehealth satisfaction scale (TESS), the telehealth usability questionnaire (TUQ), and the telemedicine satisfaction and usefulness questionnaire (TSUQ). RESULTS: Of 514 patients reviewed virtually over a 3-month period, 225 (45%) were randomly selected to participate, of which 200 met our inclusion criteria. The most common mode of consultation was telephony (92.5%, n = 185). Non-attendance rates were reduced when compared to face-to-face clinics during an equivalent period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant proportion of patients (29% compared to 26% pre-VOPC) were discharged to primary care. Nine percent were listed for surgery compared to 19% pre-VOPC. A subsequent face-to-face appointment was required in 10% of participants. Overall, the satisfaction when assessing the doctor-patient relationship, privacy & trust, as well as consultation domains was high, with the overwhelming majority of parents' content with the future integration and participation in VOPCs. CONCLUSION: An evolving worldwide pandemic has accelerated the need for healthcare services to reform in order to maintain a steady flow of patients within an elective outpatient setting without compromising patient care. Solutions must be sustainable long-term to account for future disruptions, whilst accounting for evolving patient demographics. Our novel survey has demonstrated the vast potential that the integration of VOPCs can offer paediatric otolaryngology services within a carefully selected cohort of patients.

Outcomes and complications of incisionless otoplasty - A retrospective observational study and a review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Incisionless otoplasty is a more recently described technique to correct prominent ears. It is thought to provide a more natural cosmetic look, easier to perform, and achieve quicker recovery when compared to conventional otoplasty. The safety and efficacy of the procedure is not well characterised as there is limited data on outcomes and complications. METHODS: This was a retrospective study to evaluate outcomes and complications of incisionless otoplasty. We included all children who underwent incisionless otoplasty by a single surgeon over a 9-year period at a tertiary paediatric ear, nose and throat (ENT) unit. RESULTS: A total of 32 children were included in this study (62 ears operated on). Using facial dimension measurements to analyse preoperative and postoperative photographs, the proportion of prominent ears reduced from 43/56 (76.8%) to 8/45 (17.8%). The children reported good cosmetic outcomes in 38/40 (95.0%) ears. Assessment of preoperative and postoperative photographs considered 34/39 (87.2%) to have good cosmetic result. The following rates of complications were observed: infection, 6/62 (9.7%); blistering, 14/62 (22.6%); bleeding, 1/62 (1.6%); suture breakage/extrusion, 8/62 (21.9%); skin necrosis, 1/62 (1.6%). Further otoplasty procedures were done on five ears (8.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Incisionless otoplasty was associated with high success and satisfaction rates. A previously undescribed complication of early postoperative erythema, swelling and blistering may be unique to this technique. This procedure should be further evaluated to identify risk factors and preventative measures to reduce complications.