Evaluating Diagnostic Errors And Referral Practices For Ear, Nose, And Throat Disorders In A Resource-Constrained Environment

Abstract

Although ENT disorders have a big effect worldwide, not much information exists about their epidemiology and diagnosis in poor regions. We conducted a backwards-looking analysis of the clinical records of people treated at a specialty hospital with few resources. Using descriptive statistics, precise diagnosis and the appropriateness of patient referrals to ENT doctors were evaluated. The κ statistic for Cohen’s kappa was used to assess how often non-specialists agree with the notes of the ENT specialist and logistic regression was employed to see what factors might lead to such disagreements. From the 1,543 patients examined (ranging in age from 0 to 87 years, mean age 25 ± 21 years), non-ENT practitioners gave the wrong diagnosis in 67.4% and suggested unnecessary referrals in 50.4% of cases. Patients aged 51–87 years were 1.77 times as likely to have received an incorrect referral diagnosis compared to children 0–5 years, according to the research. More patients with ear or sinonasal problems were likely to be misdiagnosed on referral than those with head and neck conditions. ENT specialists’ diagnoses were only slightly similar to those of non-specialist clinicians (κ = 0.0001). Higher-speed and focused educational programs for practitioners may help doctors be more precise in countries with few resources.