Usefulness of otolaryngology evaluation in primary health care: Pilot evaluation

Abstract

Introduction: In primary health care, medical appointments for otorhinolaryngologi- cal causes reach up to 40%-50%. Of these cases, many are referred for the evaluation of the tertiary level of health. Aim: Assess the usefulness of an otorhinolaryngology evaluation at the primary health care level to screen the number of referrals to specialist. Explore strategies to replicate the experience. Material and method: Attention by otorhinolaryngologist is considered in two diffe- rent scenarios, where patients who were waiting for formal care by the secondary level were evaluated. Results: 201 patients were evaluated. 60.9% of the patients were females and 39.1% were males. The median waiting time for referral was 20 months, with an interquartile range of 8 - 29 months. The maximum waiting time for consultation was 6 years (73 months). Of the total number of consultations, 71.7% were discharged with treatment according to the cause, while only the remaining 28.3% of the consultations were con- sidered necessary to maintain consultation at the tertiary level. Conclusion: The results of this evaluation allow us to propose the usefulness of an otorhinolaryngological evaluation in primary health care. This would reduce the flow of referrals and waiting lists to the secondary sector, decongest the system, prioritize the most relevant referrals, create expedited channels of communication between levels of care, contribute to continuous training in both teams and levels.