The Clearsight Scope Adapter: Optimizing Communication with the Flexible Nasal Laryngoscope

The flexible nasal laryngoscope is a powerful diagnostic tool used by all otolaryngologists and many emergency physicians. However, in most settings, the scope is visible only to the operator through the eye-piece. In response, pediatric otolaryngologist Dr. Matthew Bromwich has developed an adapter attaching the iPhone to flexible nasal laryngoscopes. The advantages of this novel device, which enables bedside scopes to be displayed on a screen, are threefold. From a communication perspective, it allows physicians to demonstrate findings to multiple healthcare professionals. From an educational perspective, it allows staff physicians to visualize resident scoping and provide feedback and direction. Many Ottawa otolaryngology residents are currently using the adapter to record scopes to discuss findings with on-call staff members. We believe this improves diagnostic accuracy and ultimately, patient safety. Finally, the adapter improves record-keeping to track patient progress. In Ottawa, recorded scope videos are kept on a shared drive, available for review when needed. This is helpful when handing over long-term patients between physicians and ensures continuity of care. Additionally, we believe there is potential for this adapter to be practice-changing not only for otolaryngologists, but also emergency physicians. We are currently conducting a study to investigate whether this adapter will speed up patient assessment, shorten time to diagnosis and treatment, improve patient flow in the emergency department, and improve diagnostic accuracy and referral patterns. The Clearsight scope adapter addresses many needs surrounding the flexible nasal laryngoscope by facilitating communication and patient care. Moreover, by simply adding to an already ubiquitous technology - the iPhone, the adapter will be easy for all practitioners to adopt. []