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Epistaxis management: current understanding amongst junior doctors

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 January 2016

R Fox ,
R Nash ,
Z-W Liu  and
A Singh
R Fox*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
R Nash
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
Z-W Liu
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
A Singh
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Richard Fox, ENT Department, Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow HA1 3UJ, UK E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background:

Epistaxis is a common and potentially life-threatening emergency. This survey assesses understanding and confidence in epistaxis management amongst current junior doctors.

Method:

A cross-sectional study was conducted of foundation year one and two doctors based at three National Health Service trusts within a single region of the UK, assessing basic understanding and procedural confidence.

Results:

A total of 111 foundation doctors completed this survey. The average duration of undergraduate exposure to otolaryngology was 8.1 days. Forty-one per cent of respondents stated that they would apply pressure to the nasal bones to control epistaxis. Seventy-five per cent lacked confidence in their ability to manage epistaxis. Those with two weeks or more of undergraduate exposure to otolaryngology were more confident than those with one week or less of exposure (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Junior doctors lack understanding and confidence in epistaxis management, with patient safety implications. Confidence is associated with the duration of undergraduate exposure to otolaryngology. A minimum emergency safe competency should be a priority during foundation training if not achieved in UK medical schools.

Keywords

EpistaxisEducationCurriculumEmergency Service, Hospital
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 130 , Issue 3 , March 2016 , pp. 252 - 255
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2016 

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