Alex Toh1, Annemarie Mullin, Joe Grainger, Harpreet Uppal. 1. Department of Otolaryngology, City General Hospital, University Hospital North Staffordshire NHS Trust, Newcastle Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7LN, UK. alextoh@doctors.org.uk
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Tonsillectomy is one of the most frequently performed operations in the UK. Documentation of the indications for tonsillectomy is vital, and should fulfil evidence-based guidelines where possible. We present a completed audit, evaluating the documentation of our department's practice in meeting the recommendations made by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) on indications for tonsillectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective audit of 100 children undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis at a university hospital during two time periods: October 2007 to January 2008 and March to September 2008. Interventions including the production of posters and rubber stamps were agreed and implemented between the two audit periods. RESULTS: Following the implementation of simple changes, significant improvements were seen in documentation relating to the SIGN guidelines for tonsillectomy. Overall, the number of children meeting all four SIGN criteria for tonsillectomy rose from 12% to 44% (chi(2) = 57.8; P < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant reduction was seen in the number of children below the age of 5 years undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis (chi(2) = 14.66; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: With increasing scrutiny on tonsillectomy, it is important to ensure that the reasons for performing tonsillectomy are documented clearly and adhere to evidence-based guidance where possible. We have demonstrated that, with only simple and low-cost interventions, significant improvements in the documentation of tonsillectomy indications can be achieved.
INTRODUCTION: Tonsillectomy is one of the most frequently performed operations in the UK. Documentation of the indications for tonsillectomy is vital, and should fulfil evidence-based guidelines where possible. We present a completed audit, evaluating the documentation of our department's practice in meeting the recommendations made by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) on indications for tonsillectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective audit of 100 children undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis at a university hospital during two time periods: October 2007 to January 2008 and March to September 2008. Interventions including the production of posters and rubber stamps were agreed and implemented between the two audit periods. RESULTS: Following the implementation of simple changes, significant improvements were seen in documentation relating to the SIGN guidelines for tonsillectomy. Overall, the number of children meeting all four SIGN criteria for tonsillectomy rose from 12% to 44% (chi(2) = 57.8; P < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant reduction was seen in the number of children below the age of 5 years undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis (chi(2) = 14.66; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: With increasing scrutiny on tonsillectomy, it is important to ensure that the reasons for performing tonsillectomy are documented clearly and adhere to evidence-based guidance where possible. We have demonstrated that, with only simple and low-cost interventions, significant improvements in the documentation of tonsillectomy indications can be achieved.
Authors: David Lowe; Jan van der Meulen; David Cromwell; James Lewsey; Lynn Copley; John Browne; Matthew Yung; Peter Brown Journal: Laryngoscope Date: 2007-04 Impact factor: 3.325