The Laryngoscope
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In this study, we detailed factors governing legal outcomes in iatrogenic orbital injury, with the purpose of discussing strategies to minimize liability and enhance patient safety. ⋯ The potential for permanent sequelae of iatrogenic orbital injury makes this complication susceptible to malpractice litigation. Otolaryngologists were the most common defendants. Although cases were resolved in the defendant's favor 60% of the time, payments made were considerable, averaging $1.13 million. Steps to minimize liability and improve patient safety include an informed consent process explicitly listing risks, including diplopia and blindness, and obtaining timely ophthalmology consultation when a complication is recognized.
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The purpose of this study is to compare faculty and trainees' perceptions of their mentorship experience in otolaryngology training programs in order to identify areas where improvements could yield more productive mentorship. ⋯ Mentees are generally satisfied with the mentoring they receive, while most mentors are not satisfied with the time they have to provide mentorship. Further insights into differences in faculty and trainee perceptions may improve the mentorship experience.
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Malpractice litigation has increased in recent decades, contributing to higher health-care costs. Characterization of complications leading to litigation is of special interest to practitioners of facial plastic surgery procedures because of the higher proportion of elective cases relative to other subspecialties. In this analysis, we comprehensively examine malpractice litigation in facial plastic surgery procedures and characterize factors important in determining legal responsibility, as this information may be of great interest and use to practitioners in several specialties. ⋯ This analysis characterized factors in determining legal responsibility in facial plastic surgery cases. Several factors were identified as potential targets for minimizing liability. Informed consent was the most reported entity in these malpractice suits. This finding emphasizes the importance of open communication between physicians and their patients regarding expectations as well as documentation of specific risks, benefits, and alternatives.
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Determine temporal trends in otolaryngologists' utilization of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of sinonasal disorders. ⋯ Despite widespread availability of imaging and a strong prevalence of sinonasal diagnoses, otolaryngologists' CT ordering patterns have not resulted in increased utilization over the past 6 years. This suggests that otolaryngologists are remaining consistent in their ordering patterns for sinonasal CT.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Evaluation of a teaching tool to increase the accuracy of pilot balloon palpation for measuring tracheostomy tube cuff pressure.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel teaching tool to improve health care providers' ability to inflate tracheostomy tube cuffs to the appropriate pressure. ⋯ The novel teaching tool evaluated in this study is simple, easily reproducible, and low-cost. Its use leads to long-lasting improvement in health care providers' ability to more accurately inflate tracheostomy tube cuffs to safe pressures.