How we do it: an audit of Action on ENT baseline standards in otolaryngology departments in England, UK.
An internet-based audit was conducted to determine how well English otolaryngology departments apply Action on ENT baseline clinical and administrative standards. A total of 91% (97 of 107) departments responded. Only 8% of 97 departments met all 23 standards but the majority complied with most standards. Microsuction and outpatient endoscopy were almost universally available (99% and 97% respectively) and 98% monitored in-patient and day surgery activity. Compliance was poor (<60%) for three standards: common waiting lists for common conditions (51%), facilities to elicit patient feedback (56%) and the inclusion of a treatment plan in the notes (46%). More than one in four departments lacked dedicated facilities to treat children or a lead clinician for paediatric audiology, despite the Children Acts of 1989 and 2004. It is hoped that this audit will help sub-optimal units to correct their deficiencies.
Persaud
R
R
Department of Otolaryngology, Whipps Cross University Hospital, London, UK. ricardopersaud@yahoo.co.uk
Hajioff
D
D
Georgalas
C
C
Bentley
M
M
Silva
S
S
Narula
A
A
D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000592:standards; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008485:Medical Audit; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000592:standards*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013222:State Medicine / Q000592:standards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D014850:Waiting Lists