Telephone versus face-to-face clinics for the management of new rhinology referrals: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare outcomes of telephone and face-to-face consultations for new rhinology referrals and discuss the wider use of telemedicine in rhinology.

Method: This was a retrospective cohort study of new rhinology referrals seen in either a telephone or face-to-face clinic. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients given a definitive outcome at initial appointment (discharged or added to waiting list) versus those requiring follow up.

Results: A total of 137 patients (70 telephone, 67 face-to-face) were included. A total of 45 of 67 patients (67 per cent) undergoing a face-to-face consultation received a definitive outcome following initial review, versus 11 of 70 (16 per cent) telephone patients. Of 70 telephone patients 57 (81 per cent) were followed up face-to-face for examination.

Conclusion: The role of telephone clinics in the assessment of new rhinology referrals is currently limited by the lack of clinical examination. Further research on developing remote assessment pathways that incorporate asynchronous review of recorded examinations are needed before telemedicine can become established within the rhinology clinic.