A review of otolaryngology equipment provision in a peripheral clinic setting.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the adequacy of otolaryngology equipment provision in peripheral outpatient clinics.


METHODS
Prospective questionnaire study.


METHODS
Five peripheral otolaryngology clinics in the Highlands of Scotland. (Thurso, Golspie, Dingwall, Fort William and Skye).


METHODS
All patients attending the above clinics over a six-month period.


RESULTS
The questionnaire return rate was 70%. 30% of patients may have had improved care had the equipment provision been adequate. Nine percent of patients required to be reviewed elsewhere due to inadequate equipment. The annual cost of these reviews exceeds 15,000 Pounds.


CONCLUSIONS
The provision of adequate clinic equipment would have medium to long term economic advantages and also has relevance in relation to clinical governance and potential medico-legal concerns. The results of this review are timely as a recent BAO-HNS document has confirmed the equipment provision we describe above as being at the minimal acceptable level.
Cain
A J
AJ
Department of Otolaryngology, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.
Laing
M R
MR
D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004864:Equipment and Supplies / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012606:Scotland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires