PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

J E Hocutt

Publications and source records attributed to J E Hocutt.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Nasolaryngoscopy for family physicians.

Nasolaryngoscopy is easy to learn and safe and convenient to perform. It is readily accepted by patients and is a rich source of clinical information. The flexible nasolaryngoscope allows the physician to directly observe the anatomy of the nasal passages, pharynx and larynx. The procedure is helpful for identifying the etiology of chronic nasal complaints and hoarseness. Other possible indications for nasolaryngoscopy include suspected nasal foreign body, recurrent nasal or pharyngeal bleeding, and epiglottitis. With the use of this instrument, treatment of otolaryngologic conditions may be more specific, thereby reducing unnecessary referral or delay in treatment.

Endoscopy

Rhinolaryngoscopy by family physicians.

A case series is presented consisting of 210 symptomatic patients evaluated by family physicians using fiberoptic rhinolaryngoscopy. The case series is analyzed to evaluate patient tolerance of the procedure, to measure the time required for the procedure, and to explore the clustering of diagnostic findings as they relate to presenting symptoms. Family physicians performed the examinations in an average of 4.4 minutes, with a median discomfort score of 2 on a scale of 0 to 10. A change in the diagnostic assessment or management plan following examination occurred in 90% of cases. Laryngeal pathology was identified in 73% of patients with chronic hoarseness, 60% of patients with both chronic hoarseness and nasal symptoms, and 3% of patients complaining of chronic nasal symptoms only. Nasal polyps or purulent drainage from the sinus ostia were found in 28% of patients with chronic nasal symptoms, 30% of patients with both chronic hoarseness and nasal symptoms, and 2% of patients with chronic hoarseness only. Incomplete examination (because of gagging) occurred in only 1 of 210 cases. This study demonstrated high diagnostic yield, rapid acquisition of technical skill, minimal patient discomfort, significant impact on diagnosis and management, and minimal time required for examination.

Clinical Competence

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy by family physicians: a national multisite study of 717 procedures.

This is the first multisite report of esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) performed by family physicians. The first 717 EGDs performed by family physicians from 8 separate office practices provide a practical and safe rationale for selected cognitive and psychomotor aspects of continuing medical education after residency training. Although primarily in private practice, these physicians were affiliated with 6 academic institutions. This group of family physicians received training in short courses. The average amount of hands-on training before independent EGD was 8 supervised cases. Cumulatively, these data represent 227 months (18.9 years) of office practice. All cases were collected sequentially from the beginning of each physician's experience, and 454 cases were collected prospectively. Physicians reported excellent patient tolerance. Diagnostic yields were high, and biopsies were performed where appropriate. Pathologists reviewed biopsy specimens from 213 sites. The family physician endoscopic diagnosis agreed with the tissue diagnosis in 188 cases (88 percent). Physicians believed that EGD enhanced management or changed the diagnosis in more than 89 percent of cases. One bleeding complication requiring overnight hospitalization was noted. This complication rate 0.0014 (1/717) compares favorably with published subspecialty complication rates 0.0013 (1.3/1000). These data confirm the ability of some family physicians to perform EGD and suggest that continuation is safe. Biopsy analysis indicates diagnostic accuracy is high. Further study on the cognitive aspects and the defragmentation of care is needed.

Adolescent