Electronic Consults in Otolaryngology: A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Use, Content, and Outcomes in an Academic Health System

Abstract

Objectives: To categorize the primary reasons for electronic consults (eConsults) to otolaryngology from primary care physicians (PCPs). To determine how many patients avoided subsequent in-person otolaryngology office visits.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of a pilot study that took place between 2016 and 2017 regarding eConsults to adult otolaryngology placed by primary care physicians at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Medical Center. The complaints were categorized as related to the following: ear, nose, throat or neck. Initial recommendations were classified as (1) providing education only (no intervention), (2) suggesting medical therapy provided by the PCP, or (3) suggesting surgical intervention. Univariate statistics and multinomial logistic regression were used to analyze the association of problem type with the need for follow-up in the otolaryngology offices. The data was analyzed for differences in patient age and gender.

Results: The study population included 64 patients (average age 54.6 years, 60.9% male). Within this group, 41% of consults were for ear complaints, 15% for nose complaints, 28% had throat-related complaints, and 16% had neck-related complaints. In-person follow-up was not required for 82.8% of the consults. Overall, 76.9% of ear, 100% of nose, 88.9% of throat, and 70.0% of neck complaints did not require in-person visits.

Conclusions: eConsults to otolaryngology were primarily for ear concerns. Of the eConsults, 82.4% did not require in-person follow-up. We therefore conclude that the use of eConsults prevented substantial office visits that would not otherwise be necessary. Efforts should be made to promote the widespread use of eConsults, which may to the more efficient use of resources.

Keywords: consult; eConsult; otolaryngology; primary care; referral.