RAPID ENT version 1.0

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Remote Assessment and Practice Implementation for Disorders in Ear, Nose, and Throat (RAPID ENT)

• IRAS ID

  350908

• Contact name

  Paul Nankivell

• Contact email

  p.c.nankivell@bham.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Birmingham

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  RG_25-016, Organisation's reference

• Duration of Study in the UK

  3 years, 1 months, 2 days

• Research summary

  Addressing Ear and Nose Problems More Effectively
  Problem Being Addressed
  In the UK, many people suffer from ear and nose conditions such as hearing loss, ear pain and chronic nasal issues, requiring specialist ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) care. However, waiting times are long, with only half of the 1.2 million patients referred to ENT services in 2022-2023 being seen within the NHS target of 18 weeks, while some wait over 48 weeks. These delays worsen patient conditions, causing prolonged discomfort and time off work. Studies indicate that over 80% of ENT cases can be managed remotely, improving access.

  The new remote pathway

  As a potential solution to that, University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) have introduced a novel, digitally enabled pathway, as part of their routine care. The new pathway desociates the diagnostic component of a clinical encounter, from the information gathering step, aiming to:
  1. Speed up diagnosis and treatment
  2. Reduce hospital visits
  3. Reduce patient travel
  4. Optimise NHS resources

  Model Design
  Following GP referral, patients attend the remote ENT clinic, where trained staff collect essential diagnostic data, including:
  • Medical history completed by the patient
  • Endoscopic ear/nose examination recorded by trained staff
  • Automated hearing test

  This data is securely sent to an ENT consultant, who reviews it remotely and provides a diagnosis and treatment plan, which may include medication, further tests, or a face-to-face appointment.

  Research Focus: RAPID ENT assessment

  This study will evaluate the clinical efficiency of the new pathway, its acceptability by stakeholders, its ideal placement(e.g., diagnostic hubs, hospitals) and if adjustments are needed for different patient populations.

  Key Research Areas
  1. Surveys – Assessing quality of life and symptom resolution
  2. Interviews – Gathering insights from patients, GPs, ENT specialists, and managers
  3. Data Analysis – Comparing referral and outcome data to inform national expansion
  4. Health Economics – Assessing cost-effectiveness and NHS resource use
  5. Sustainability – Measuring the environmental impact of RAPID ENT
  

• REC name

  South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/SW/0116

• Date of REC Opinion

  2 Oct 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion