Shared care for hearing complaints: guideline effects on patient flow.

Authors :: Duijvestijn JA
Grutters JP
Chenault MN
Joore MA
Manni JJ
Anteunis LJ
Source :: Journal of evaluation in clinical practice [J Eval Clin Pract] 2011 Apr; Vol. 17 (2), pp. 209-14. Date of Electronic Publication: 2010 Sep 16.
Publication Year :: 2011
Abstract: Rationale, Aims and Objectives: A national guideline was proposed to enable shared care in hearing complaints and therefore to change patient flows. In this study the effect of this guideline is evaluated.<br />Methods: From a total of 3500 patients with hearing complaints, consulting the Ear Nose and Throat Department of a large non-university hospital in the Netherlands in 2002, a random sample of 1000 patients was selected. Patient flow was simulated according to guideline criteria with as main outcome measures: the effect of the guideline on patient flow.<br />Results: Simulation of the consensus guideline did not really alter patient flow, with 89% to 97% of the patients still being referred to the Ear Nose and Throat specialist or Audiological Centre. Age, ear operations in the past and asymmetric hearing loss are the most important factors determining whether a person is labelled as a patient in need of medical care.<br />Conclusion: The present study emphasizes the importance of designing evidence-based guidelines for shared care.<br /> (© 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)