The effect of consultant-led interactive pre-clinic case note review on follow-up rates of an otology outpatient clinic.
The effect of pre-clinic consultant-led interactive case note discussion on the follow-up rate of an otology outpatient clinic was assessed. The clinic was divided into two groups. In one group, all cases were delegated by the consultant at the beginning of clinic without discussion. In the other group, before the start of clinic, the team reviewed all case notes and formed a management plan for each patient. Overall, lower follow-up rates were observed in cases which were discussed prior to the start of clinic (53.2-45.7%; p = 0.02). This was found in all doctor grades, although statistically significant only for middle grade (consultant: 48.3-41.6%, p = 0.10; middle grade: 58.5-45.5%, p = 0.05 and senior house officer: 60.2-57.8%, p = 0.73). Junior doctor's follow-up rates were much higher than the consultant's rates (p < 0.01). In conclusion, pre-clinic consultant-led case note review reduced otology outpatient follow-up rate.
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Department of Otolaryngology, St George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, London SW17 0QT, UK. stephenlo@lycos.co.uk
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D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003253:Consultants; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D008499:Medical Records; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011364:Professional Practice; D011446:Prospective Studies