14 / 240
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.