P19 An audit to improve ENT SHO confidence in using Floseal in the management of epistaxis

BACKGROUND: Departmental guidelines regarding the management of epistaxis were adapted to deal with the additional challenges presented during the Covid-19 pandemic. One of these adjustments involved the increasing use of haemostatic sealants such as Floseal in the management of epistaxis allowing reduced admission rates and hospital stay lengths for patients therefore reducing their risk of exposure to Covid-19. AIMS: To improve SHO’s confidence in using Floseal in the management of epistaxis. METHODS: A primary online survey was conducted to assess local ENT SHO’s confidence in making up and using haemostatic Floseal in the management of epistaxis. The SHO’s were then given teaching on how to make up Floseal and a poster including pictures was created. A secondary online survey was performed to re-audit the SHO’s confidence following this intervention. RESULTS: Of the 10 respondents, 3 had previous experience in using Floseal. Pre intervention the average confidence rating on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 – Most confident) in drawing up Floseal was scored at 2. Following teaching and implementation of the new poster the average confidence rating was scored at 4.4 (a 48% increase). From the respondents, 90% expressed that they found the poster useful and that they would also find further teaching on the use of Floseal beneficial in the future. CONCLUSION: Teaching and creation of a clear stepwise poster including photographs improved ENT SHO’s confidence in drawing up Floseal. Ongoing education will be given to new juniors to ensure long-standing improvement.