2017 HSC Section 2 - Practice Management

Pianosi K, Gorodzinsky AY, Chorney JM, et al. Informed consent in pediatric otolaryngology: what risks and benefits do parents recall? Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg . 2016; 155(2):332-339. EBM level 4............................................................................81-88 Summary : This article presents results of a study of how well parents recalled informed consent regarding tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and tube placement 2 weeks after the in-office discussion. Both the in-office discussion and the phone call with the recall questions were recorded and compared. Although there was significant variability among providers as to what was included in the informed consent, it was noted that parents electing surgery tended to remember more benefits than risks. Additionally, there were parents who recalled risks and benefits that were not discussed, suggesting that they were seeking outside sources in addition to the office visit. B. Telemedicine Beswick DM, Vashi A, Song Y, et al. Consultation via telemedicine and access to operative care for patients with head and neck cancer in a Veterans Health Administration population. Head Neck . 2016; 38(6):925-929. EBM level 3............89-93 Summary : Telemedicine is increasingly being utilized as a healthcare delivery model for complex subspecialty care in remote patient populations. Head and neck cancer is a complex disease that is optimally treated with a multidisciplinary care team and a well- developed infrastructure. Therefore, telemedicine has been proposed as a mechanism to facilitate treatment of head and neck cancer for patients who reside at a significant distance from such a center. It has been noted that in addition to facilitating timely access to subspecialty surgical care, the developed telemedicine protocol enabled significant travel-related time savings and financial savings for patients.

Hasan H, Ali F, Barker P, et al. Evaluating handoffs in the context of a communication framework. Surgery . 2017; 161(3):861-868. EBM level 2b...................................94-101

Summary : Handoffs refer to the transfer of patient care between healthcare providers. Changes in residency work hours have resulted in an increased number of handoffs. This study examines factors that can negatively impact the handoff. Also, the information from the study allows for targeted interventions to improve the handoff process and hopefully patient care.

Irizarry T, DeVito Dabbs A, Curran CR. Patient portals and patient engagement: a state of the science review. J Med Internet Res . 2015; 17(6) e148. EBM level 5.........102-116

Summary : This is review article on patient portals. The article reviews factors that influence patient use of patient portals. Studies on patient portals were grouped into one of five categories: patient adoption, provider endorsement, health literacy, usability, and utility. Principal findings revealed that the CMS and Medicaid EHR incentive program is the major driver of patient portal development. The study concludes that adoption by patients and providers will come when existing patient portal features align with the needs of patients and providers.