Transformation Directorate

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) digital playbook

How to use digital ways of working to improve outcomes for patients

This resource provides support to clinical teams and organisations that are looking for digital tools that support the delivery of patient pathways. We concentrate on ENT pathways and how to share diagnostics and deliver monitoring and support to patients. We welcome feedback on the playbooks, including ideas for further case studies. To get in touch, please email digital.playbooks@nhs.net

Scenarios

I want to improve our diagnostic capacity

Digital solutions to reduce waiting lists so patients can be seen by the right practitioner sooner

I want to offer digital self-management to patients and carers

Digital solutions to give patients better access to information, helping them to make more informed choices

I want to offer patients remote care and monitoring

Digital solutions to help identify high-risk patients and support remote clinics and consultations

I want to optimise the referral and triage process

Digital solutions to make triaging patient referrals more efficient so they receive the right treatment sooner

Pathway


ENT pathway

Explore case studies at different steps along the ENT pathway

Case studies

3 female children looking intently at a smartphone. 2 are wearing hearing devices and there is a pair of headphones on the table.

Using an app to manage glue ear in 2 to 8 year olds

Developing an app to monitor a child’s hearing at home, provide speech and language enrichment, and listening games to stop children with glue ear from falling behind.
Person examining a patient's neck with an iPhone using the endoscope-i app

Using endoscopic mobile imaging to streamline head and neck cancer pathway referrals

Combining endoscopes with high-quality mobile photography to create an app that can be used in primary care.
Person stood with back to white brick wall while blowing their nose

Helping nurses in the community diagnose and treat nasal blockages using a smart nose camera

Using new technology in primary care to diagnose nasal blockages to reduce secondary care referrals and backlog.
Close-up of a person with shaven short hair wearing a hearing aid

A new way of managing ear symptoms: community audiology-led clinic supported by digital otology

Utilising technology to improve efficiency and enable care in the community to improve ENT and otology patient experience.

ENT webinar

Watch the ENT Digital Playbook webinar we presented with ENT UK on 12 July 2022.

Disclaimer

These case studies summarise user and patient experiences, focussing on:

  • digital solutions along different care pathways
  • productivity improving digital solutions
  • how to open source code for health and care organisations

Unless expressly stated otherwise, the apps and digital tools referenced are not supplied, distributed or endorsed by NHS England or the Department of Health and Social Care and such parties are not liable for any injury, loss or damage arising from their use.

All playbook case studies have either passed, or are currently undergoing the Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC) assessment.

Please note the full legal disclaimer: NHS Transformation Directorate playbook disclaimer