Reviewing the Clinic Letters of ENT Trainees to Improve Training and Reduce Unnecessary Follow-ups.

Otolaryngology trainees commonly perform independent clinics with consultant supervision, but training in busy clinics can be difficult and NHS targets have put pressure on hospitals to become more efficient. Data from NHS England shows that that from 2011 to 2016 referrals to ENT increased by 3.7% annually and that at the end of 2018 only 86% of patients were waiting less than 18 weeks to start treatment rather than the national target of 92%(1) . Reducing unnecessary follow-up attendances in outpatient clinics saves resources, increases capacity and has the concurrent effect of increasing the number of cases with training potential for Registrars.