Introduction
Epistaxis is a common
presentation to Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) departments across the UK
with the majority of requiring hospital admission despite most patients
requiring no further intervention other than simple nasal
packing1,2. Due to its involvement with the upper
respiratory tract and being described as an aerosol generating
procedure, the management of epistaxis posed an increased risk of the
spread of Sars-CoV-2 to staff and
patients3. In
March 2020, new guidelines were altered to enable certain patients to be
discharged home with nasal packs in situ to reduce the risk of COVID-19
inpatient transmission4. The literature has
highlighted the implications around safe discharge, reduced hospital
stay and re-admission rates for patients with
epistaxis5,6.
A criterion was created to help identify patients that would be suitable
for outpatient management. This included their social circumstances,
stability of patients, observation parameters and past medical history.
Correct adherence to the new guideline could lead to reduced admission
of epistaxis patients and occupancy of beds within the
hospital7.