Management Protocol for Uncomplicated Peritonsillar Abscess: Standardizing Care and Improving Emergency Medicine Resident Confidence

Abstract

Introduction: A peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a frequent reason for a visit to the emergency department. As there are no current published guidelines for medical versus surgical management, attending physicians vary among management tendencies, generating uncertainty among resident physicians. This project established a standard of care for managing patients with PTA and provided clear management guidelines to the emergency department, in collaboration with the otolaryngology department, at a community academic hospital. Methods: Pre- and post-interventional, anonymous surveys were given to assess resident physician confidence in the management of PTA. A proposed management protocol was developed based on existing literature and approved by both the emergency medicine (EM) and otolaryngology (ENT) departments. The protocol was then disseminated during in-person didactic sessions to EM residents and ENT residents for use over a four-month interventional period. Results: The mean confidence level for all residents increased significantly after the implementation of the protocol (p<0.001). The increase in confidence level for “antibiotic selection for PTA” (p=0.72) and “inpatient PTA management” (p=0.20) was not statistically significant for the post-graduate year (PGY) 3 and 4 residents. The increase in confidence level was higher overall for PGY 1 and 2 residents (95% CI 2.25 ± 1.09, p<0.001) than for PGY 3 and 4 residents (95% CI 1.73 ± 1.09, p=0.003). Conclusion: The implementation of a standardized protocol for the management of PTA proved to be an effective tool in assisting residents and improving their confidence. This study highlights the importance of establishing guidelines in clinical practice to promote consistent and evidence-based management strategies for PTA. By providing clear guidelines, this protocol enhances communication among healthcare providers and contributes to the delivery of high-quality care to patients with PTA.