title: A nurse-led ear care clinic: sharing knowledge and improving patient care.
abstract: This article covers the nursing role within an ear care clinic in the hospital setting. The range of conditions managed in the clinic are listed and some of the current issues affecting ear care and ear, nose and throat (ENT) are discussed. The author conveys her enthusiasm for the appropriate management of wax encouraging colleagues to appreciate the negative affect wax impaction can have on patients. Hearing impairment is briefly mentioned and a screening list is provided to assess the hearing of older adults. Patient care is discussed and there are suggestions for the improvement of the provision of ear care within the community. The nurse practitioner discusses how to facilitate the sharing of knowledge with community practitioners. Study seminars, publications, the use of the hospital intranet site, treatment and discharge summaries can all be used to communicate new developments in patient care.
authors.affiliation: Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Hospital Trust, Sheffield.
authors.forename: Hilary
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Harkin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002571:Cerumen; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000451:nursing*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D013041:Specialties, Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D006113:United Kingdom