Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) has rapidly advanced its research into telemedicine for pediatric ear conditions, potentially revolutionizing how children access specialist ear healthcare. The ACCENTUATE (Acceptability and feasibility of a paediatric teleotology service) study, sponsored by MFT, is exploring the use of telemedicine appointments for children with ear and hearing problems.
Study Overview
The ACCENTUATE study focuses on teleotology, where ENT specialists remotely review patient information to make care decisions. This approach aims to reduce patient waiting times, broaden access to specialist ear healthcare, and improve the overall patient experience. The study involves 120 children aged up to 15 years with glue ear and 120 healthy volunteers.
Methodology
Participants undergo comprehensive ear health assessments, including clinical history, smartphone-based ear examinations with video recording, hearing tests, and tympanometry. Two independent ENT specialists remotely review this data for quality and clinical suitability. The study also gathers feedback from audiologists, ENT specialists, patients, and parents to evaluate their experiences.
Rapid Progress
Originally planned to recruit 240 participants over a year, the study reached its target for healthy volunteers in just one month due to exceptional teamwork. This accelerated progress allows the team to focus on community recruitment sites at Trafford General Hospital and Moss Side Health Centre, where they are recruiting children with glue ear.
Significance
Tunde Oremulè, ENT Registrar and Senior Research Fellow at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH), emphasized the importance of this work, stating, "We are breaking new ground in understanding telemedicine’s role for children with ear and hearing issues." He also highlighted the collaborative effort, noting, "We are showing that when clinical teams work in collaboration, even the most ambitious timelines can be surpassed."
Funding and Future Plans
The study is supported by funding from Research and Innovation at MFT, Tympa Health Ltd, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Health Innovation Manchester, and the ENT UK Foundation. Researchers expect to complete the study within 12 months and will disseminate their findings through publications and conferences.
Glue Ear Prevalence
Glue ear, characterized by fluid build-up in the middle ear, can lead to hearing loss and repeated ear infections. It is more prevalent in autumn and winter, making the ongoing recruitment efforts particularly timely.
