Abstract

Purpose: Early evidence supports the safety and efficiency of extended scope speech-language pathology (SLP) clinics designed to manage low risk ear nose and throat (ENT) outpatient referrals, however long-term data is lacking. The aim of this study was to complete a 5-year audit of clinical outcomes, including rates of re-referral, for a SLP Allied Health Practitioner (SLP AHP) led dysphagia and dysphonia service within an Integrated Specialist ENT Service.

Method: A retrospective audit was undertaken of all patients referred with non-urgent dysphonia and/or dysphagia symptoms over a 5-year period since establishment of the SLP AHP service. Clinical outcomes, rates and reasons for re-referral to the specialist ENT waiting list were investigated.

Result: Of 616 patient referrals, 462 patients were seen by the SLP AHP service. Most (72%, n = 333) received all required management through the clinical model, with only 28% (n = 129) requiring additional ENT intervention, consistent with previously published data. Only 36 of the 616 (6%) were re-referred/re-presented within 12 months of first presentation, of which only 12 were referred for same condition as initial referral. No adverse outcomes were recorded on the clinical database during this 5-year period.

Conclusion: Results provide further evidence that the SLP AHP service is a safe and efficient method for managing low risk ENT outpatient referrals.

摘要

目的：早期证据支持旨在管理低风险耳鼻喉 (ENT) 门诊转诊的扩展范围语音语言病理学 (SLP) 诊所的安全性和效率，但缺乏长期数据。本研究的目的是完成对综合专科耳鼻喉科服务内由 SLP 专职医疗人员 (SLP AHP) 领导的吞咽困难和发音困难服务的临床结果的 5 年审计，包括再转诊率。

方法：自 SLP AHP 服务成立以来的 5 年期间，对所有出现非紧急发音困难和/或吞咽困难症状的患者进行了回顾性审核。调查了临床结果、比率和重新转诊到专科耳鼻喉科等候名单的原因。

结果：在 616 名患者转诊中，462 名患者接受了 SLP AHP 服务。大多数（72%，n  = 333）通过临床模型接受了所有必需的管理，只有 28%（n  = 129）需要额外的耳鼻喉科干预，这与之前公布的数据一致。616 人中只有 36 人（6%）在首次就诊后的 12 个月内再次转诊/再次就诊，其中只有 12 人因与初次转诊相同的条件被转诊。在这 5 年期间，临床数据库中没有记录到不良结果。

结论：结果进一步证明 SLP AHP 服务是管理低风险耳鼻喉科门诊转诊的一种安全有效的方法。