The virtual ear, nose and throat follow-up clinic: a 10-year quality improvement project

Abstract

Background/Aims Ear, nose and throat services have seen one of the greatest increases in service demand over the last 6 years. This study aimed to determine if a virtual clinic system could reduce the volume of patients who need to be seen in person in an ear, nose and throat outpatient clinic. Methods Clinical outcome data for one consultant's team in a single ear, nose and throat department between 2009–19 were analysed. Data were prospectively collected on all patients who used the virtual clinic in this 10-year period and the outcomes analysed. Results A total of 3071 patients entered the virtual clinic during the 10-year period. Of these, 61% were discharged from the clinic via virtual follow-up and 39% required an in-person review appointment. On average, 187 patients per year did not have to attend an in-person follow-up appointment, with estimated cost savings of £27 000 per year. Conclusions The virtual ear, nose and throat clinic service has clear benefits for patients and services, delivering healthcare without unnecessary in-person appointments through a shared, clinician–patient decision process.