927 Epistaxis Management in COVID-19
Abstract Aim Traditional management of epistaxis include endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity and/or cautery requiring close contact between doctor and patient. We aimed to reduce the length of in-patient stay for patients with epistaxis whilst maintaining patient safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method A retrospective and prospective audit was performed to assess the management of patients and their outcomes prior to and after new COVID-19 epistaxis guidelines were introduced in our unit. A PDSA cycle was undertaken. Results 27 patients presented to our ENT department in each 3-month audit cycle. 20 patients in each group were packed. More patients were packed bilaterally in group 2. The admission rate reduced from 100% to 25%. Packing duration increased from 1.8 (in group 1) to 3 days in group 2. 1 patient in each group required surgical management. The 30-day re-bleed rate increased from 11% to 30% All re-bleeds in group 1 were admitted. Only 1 patient (3.7%) with a re-bleed in group 2 required admission. The mortality rate was unchanged. The length of time during the initial visit decreased. Hospital visits per patient (for removal of pack, pain, and re-bleeding) increased from 1.1 in group 1 to 2.7 in group 2. Conclusions Our COVID-19 epistaxis guidelines reduced close contact, in-patient admissions, and length of stay. However, there is an increase number of visits per patient and increase re-bleed rate (suggesting that cautery plays an important role). The next cycle plans to introduce a patient leaflet and a virtual clinic.