Sharing in-office otoendoscopy recordings may improve patient satisfaction: A prospective cohort study

Objective: Evaluate the impact of sharing otoendoscopy exams on patient satisfaction in the outpatient clinical setting. Methods: Randomized, prospective cohort study. Consecutive adults presenting to otology clinic at one tertiary referral center were randomized into two groups: standard microscopy (SM) and video otoendoscopy (VO). The SM group had ears examined using a standard, otomicroscope; the VO group had ears examined using a 0° rigid endoscope connected to a video tower. All subjects were counseled on their exam findings in a routine manner; the VO group was concurrently shown a recording of their ear exam. All subjects completed the 18-item Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18) at the conclusion of their clinic visit. Results: The SM group consisted of 27 patients and VO group consisted of 23 patients. VO subjects reported higher PSQ-18 scores compared to SM subjects within the domains of communication (p = 0.04) and technical quality (p = 0.005). On linear regression models, demographic factors and positive exam findings were not predictive of patient satisfaction. Conclusions: Sharing otoendoscopy recordings may be a valuable tool that can improve patient satisfaction. Practice Implications: Clinicians should consider sharing recordings of otoscopic exams with patients, particularly when faced with the possibility of surgery.