title: A multi-centre audit of epistaxis management in England: is there a case for a national review of practice?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The ENT-UK Clinical Audit and Practice Advisory Group initiated a pilot audit to investigate variance in epistaxis management between six units nationwide.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients with a diagnosis of epistaxis who were admitted for in-patient care at six ENT departments between November 2011 and February 2012 were prospectively enrolled.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 166 patients were included in the study. Variance was demonstrated between the six units in a number of the key outcome areas. Twenty-eight per cent of patients were identified as eligible for operative intervention for epistaxis in one unit, compared with only 12.5 per cent in another.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are measurable, patient-relevant outcomes to assess epistaxis management and these can highlight areas of potential improvement. This pilot audit gives a snapshot of modern practice, which shows variance between the six units assessed. A national audit may allow us to improve patient experience and maximise efficiency in delivering emergency care in our most common patient encounter.
authors: ENT Department,Northwick Park Hospital,London,UK.
authors: A C
authors: AC
authors: Hall
authors: ENT Department,Freeman Hospital,Newcastle upon Tyne,UK.
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Blanchford
authors: ENT Department,Queen's Hospital,Romford,UK.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Chatrath
authors: Department of Otolaryngology,Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital,London,UK.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Hopkins
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D019468:Disease Management; D004739:England; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000628:therapy*; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies
keywords: Epistaxis; Prevention & Control; Surgery