Abstract
Introduction
One-stop neck lump clinics (OSNLC) are gaining popularity worldwide especially in the UK hospitals following NICE recommendation. The main aim of this speciality clinic is a quick diagnosis and early management while simultaneously improving patient experience.
Objectives
To analyse and compare the efficacy of OSNLC and general ENT/Head and neck clinic with specifics to a number of appointments required for formulating management plan and a number of ‘one stop’ visits.
Design
Retrospective observational study
Setting
Regional Head and Neck Cancer Center (Secondary care hospital)
Participants
Patients referred by General practitioner with symptoms of a neck lump
Main outcome measures
Patients seen in general ENT/Head and neck and OSNLC in 2 phases to understand the difference in a number of appointments, one-stop visits, the requirement of Ultrasound and efficiency of Fine needle aspiration.
Results and conclusions
Improved efficacy of OSNLC was noted as patients seen in the clinic required a lesser number of appointments, reached a faster diagnosis and management plan when compared to patients seen in general ENT clinic.
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Data availability statement
Data for the study were available electronically to the authors as employees at the institution. Data confidentiality, privacy, and storage ensured as per Data Protection Act 2018 and Caldecott’s principle.
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Ethical Considerations
1. Observational study with no direct patient contact in data collection. No interference in routine management, hence a minimal risk study. 2. Data confidentiality, privacy, and storage ensured as per Data Protection Act 2018 and Caldecott’s principle. 3. Decision tool from NHS Research Ethics Committee (REC) http://www.hra-decisiontools.org.uk/ethics/ used to see if ethics approval required. 4. Submit article to single journal only. 5. No involvement of any vulnerable groups or sensitive topics. 6. ‘’Information for Authors” from the journal. 7. Role of authors clearly defined.
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Sood, T., Supriya, M., Thopil, J. et al. One stop neck lump clinic: a boon for quick diagnosis and early management. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 278, 4951–4954 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-021-06729-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-021-06729-1