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Images of otoscopy: rate and extent of non-compliance with good practice standards

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2015

G Crundwell ,
J Harmer ,
M Maltby ,
T Mills ,
C Neumann ,
L Walsh  and
D Baguley
G Crundwell*
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
J Harmer
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK Emmeline Hearing Implant Centre, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
M Maltby
Affiliation:
Department of Vision and Hearing Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
T Mills
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
C Neumann
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
L Walsh
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
D Baguley
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK Emmeline Hearing Implant Centre, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mrs Gemma Crundwell, Department of Audiology (Box 94), Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK Fax: 01223 586 912, E-mail: gemma.crundwell@addenbrookes.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Background:

The British Society of Audiology has produced clear guidelines as to how otoscopy should be undertaken; however, no nationally recognised guidelines exist for the wider clinical community. Images of otoscopy appear in many books, journals, magazines and websites.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the rate of non-compliance with good practice in images of otoscopy, the seriousness of the breach, and whether this is more common in sites for professionals or the general public.

Method:

Google Images was searched using the terms ‘otoscopy’ and ‘ear examination’. A total of 200 images were identified and collated. The images were reviewed for compliance with good practice standards.

Results:

Only 12.75 per cent of the images were graded as having no breach of good practice standards.

Conclusion:

Professional websites have a responsibility to show best practice. When choosing an image, the source of the image needs to be carefully considered.

Keywords

OtoscopyOtoscopes

Information

Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 129 , Issue 1 , January 2015 , pp. 27 - 31
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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