Audit Cycle:
This is a closed-loop audit cycle beginning with the recognition of the
problem and assessing the magnitude of the problem. The primary outcomes
were the number of referrals to the minor operation theater (MOT) from
ENT OPD of the [blinded] hospital of the cases presenting with ear
problems that require only suctioning and moping for the management of
ear discharge. The data of the initial audit were collected from ENT OPD
from Dec 01, 2021, to Dec 30, 2021, and it included 300 patients. We
recorded patients’ age, presenting complaints that required suctioning,
diagnosis, and reasons for referral. Based on the burden of referrals to
the MOT, the auditors proposed the changes in practice following
hospital OPD guidelines enacted by Pakistan Otolaryngology Association.
Local guidelines were constructed and the modifications were implemented
for 1 month (Jan 01, 2022-Jan 30, 2022). Re-audit was performed on the
collected data during the period and analyzed in IBM SPSS version 25.
Re-audit included 300 patients and assessed whether there was any
necessity for referral during the implementation of constructed
guidelines. The audit cycle is illustrated in figure 1.