Clinical Applicability
ENT OPDs are usually serviced by junior doctors that are mostly less
trained members of the team. This results in a longer duration of
consultations with the patients. This also demands more precautionary
measures It increases the workload by increasing the need for follow-up
in such cases room [14]. Our study discerns the fact that the
implementation of some simple protocols will lead to an immense change.
These include the strict implementation of international guidelines for
the management of such cases as well as promoting mass education to the
general practitioners along with the emergency department staff so that
they are well aware of the referral pathway [15]. The resultant
reduction in clinical activity will lead to a reduction in the workload
of the doctors too. In this way, we can reach a higher standard of
health too. On the other side, the patients and the general masses will
also benefit as it will result in the financial sustainability of the
patients by reducing the cost of transportation [16]. So, our
benefits are not mutually exclusive and will run in congruence with each
other by simply implementing the guidelines and educating the masses
along with the supervision of all. The pandemic has already taught us to
accept the New Normal in ENT OPDs. This requires a basic yet simple
change in frameworks that is non-labor intensive to bring about these
tremendous benefits to the healthcare system and masses [17].