New Welch Allyn® otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes with innovative features will help change clinicians’ view of the physical exam
Examining the structure of the eyes and ears is a critical, yet fleeting moment of the physical exam.
Ophthalmoscopy (eye exam) provides a window into the patient’s underlying microvascular system. Abnormal findings may lead to the early diagnosis of retinal and systemic diseases, including the effects of hypertension, diabetes or raised pressure, among others. A fundoscopic examination with an ophthalmoscope can help quickly identify a life-threatening condition or a health concern with long-term implications if not properly treated.
Meanwhile, otoscopy (ear exam) includes a thorough evaluation of the outer ear and tympanic membrane, which is key to identifying perforation of the tympanic membrane, otitis media, and other pathologies where diagnostic skills are critically important. Identification of otitis media (ear infection) is challenging and cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone, highlighting the importance of otoscopy for more accurate diagnosis and treatment. And accurate diagnosis of otitis media is important in helping reduce over-prescription of antibiotics.
Simply performing these exams can lead to earlier detection, diagnosis and treatment, improve patient referrals, and drive better patient outcomes. So why is it that the physical exam of a patient can often be overlooked or hurried?
Despite eye and ear exam proficiency standards in medical schools, the tools being ubiquitous, and clinicians understanding the importance of the exam, non-specialists are performing these exams less frequently. Exams using traditional physical exam tools, offer smaller views of the eye and ear and provide only a fleeting image, and in many cases clinicians aren’t as confident in what they see.
A closer look
To address these challenges, Hillrom consulted over 1,300 clinicians in the U.S., Australia, Canada, UK, Netherlands, France and Germany for input on creating an enhanced experience for each physical exam. Providers’ suggestions included:
- The need for better visualization of the eye and ear for less ambiguity
- Increased confidence in performing the exam in primary and urgent care facilities
- Ability to consult with experts and share data to improve care and referrals
- Document findings in the EMR system for tracking and reflecting back on changes from one exam to the next or post-treatment
Using those insights, Hillrom went about redesigning its otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes. For instance, the new Welch Allyn® MacroView® Plus Otoscope provides a three times larger viewing area and lets clinicians switch from optical to digital in a few clicks. If the clinician sees something of interest upon the initial ear exam, they can easily attach the Welch Allyn iExaminer® SmartBracket™ add their smart device and open the free Welch Allyn iExaminer Pro app to zoom in, save and share images of the ear with a specialist for consult referral, save the image to the patient record or show it to a worried parent to explain that nothing is wrong.
The Welch Allyn PanOptic™ Plus Ophthalmoscope offers a twenty times larger viewing area and features Quick Eye™ alignment technology to help clinicians overcome one of the challenges with eye exams. Two lights on the patient side help guide the patient’s gaze to support faster, easier exams from better alignment with the optic disc.
Indeed, the innovations in Hillrom’s new Welch Allyn PanOptic Plus ophthalmoscope and MacroView Plus otoscope will help visually enhance and transform how clinicians examine the eye and the ear, to support the treatment of acute and chronic conditions with extremely cost-effective tools.