A multi-centre audit of epistaxis management in England: is there a case for a national review of practice?

OBJECTIVE

The ENT-UK Clinical Audit and Practice Advisory Group initiated a pilot audit to investigate variance in epistaxis management between six units nationwide.

METHOD: All patients with a diagnosis of epistaxis who were admitted for in-patient care at six ENT departments between November 2011 and February 2012 were prospectively enrolled.

RESULTS

A total of 166 patients were included in the study. Variance was demonstrated between the six units in a number of the key outcome areas. Twenty-eight per cent of patients were identified as eligible for operative intervention for epistaxis in one unit, compared with only 12.5 per cent in another.

CONCLUSION

There are measurable, patient-relevant outcomes to assess epistaxis management and these can highlight areas of potential improvement. This pilot audit gives a snapshot of modern practice, which shows variance between the six units assessed. A national audit may allow us to improve patient experience and maximise efficiency in delivering emergency care in our most common patient encounter.