Children’s united airways clinic – evaluation & carer satisfaction of a UK Regional joint ENT-Respiratory clinic.

Le résumé fourni par la source

Background: Many conditions affecting the respiratory tract of children and young people (CYP) involve both upper and lower airways, in particular for those children with complex comorbidities. We established a joint otorhinolaryngology (ENT) and respiratory clinic to improve the care provided to these children. Objectives: To determine patient characteristics and patient/carer satisfaction with the joint ENT-Respiratory clinic. Methods: Service evaluation with retrospective data collection. Mixed methods analysis. Clinic attendees between June and October 2021 were identified. Quantitative data from patient records were analysed descriptively. Transcripts from telephone interviews were analysed thematically to identify key themes of importance to parents/carers. Results: 28 patient records were identified, median age 3 years (range 0-13 years). CYP were often under the care of multiple specialties (median 7 specialties) with complex co-morbidity most frequently developmental impairment, cardiac problems, post-prematurity and/or structural airway problems. Rates of hospital attendances was high (median 6-10 appointments in previous year). 19 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Carer satisfaction being high (median Likert score 10/10). Themes arising included communication, joint decision-making and fewer clinic attendances. Themes of concern regarded travel to Nottingham, wait time for an appointment and time in waiting room. Conclusions: The joint clinic enjoys high levels of parent/carer satisfaction with good communication for both child and carer and the benefit of transparent joint decision-making. The ‘out of clinic’ experience is a focus for improvement.

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