Primary Health Care Interventions for Potentially Preventable Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions in Rural and Remote Areas: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background:Primary and secondary level preventive primary health care programs providing early detection and timely management of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions in rural and remote regions are fundamental to preventing downstream impacts on health, social, and educational outcomes. However, the range and quality of evidence is yet to be reviewed. Objectives: The study objectives were to identify and synthesize the evidence of primary health care interventions for detection and management of ENT conditions in rural and remote areas, and evaluate the quality of the research and effectiveness of interventions. Methods: A systematic literature search of 6 databases (February 2023). The review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement, and the quality appraisal of studies was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (initial screening questions: Are there clear research questions? Do the collected data allow to address the research questions?). Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The results describe interventions for detection and management of respiratory tract infections, otitis media, and ear disease in primary health care settings. No studies met the inclusion criteria for tonsillitis. The role of community-based programs and allied health workers in the detection and management of ENT conditions was found to be effective in rural and remote regions. Only 2 of the studies met the screening criteria for quality appraisal. Conclusions: The study findings may inform future programs and policy development to address detection and management of ENT conditions in rural and remote primary care settings, and supports the need for further research on innovative models of care targeting potentially preventable hospitalizations through primary and secondary level prevention.