A Systematic Review and Quality Assessment of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Otitis Externa to Support the WHO Package of Ear and Hearing Care Interventions.
Otol NeurotolJun 12, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchOtolaryngology (ENT)
Lauren K Dillard, Pallavi Mishra, Chitra Chander Shekhar et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review evaluated clinical practice guidelines for acute otitis externa, identifying 6 guidelines, of which 4 met quality criteria. The guidelines emphasize prevention, diagnosis, and management strategies, contributing to the WHO Package of Ear and Hearing Care Interventions.
Key findings
- Four out of six identified guidelines met the AGREE II quality assessment criteria.
- Key interventions include avoiding injury and keeping the ear canal dry.
- Guidelines were published in the United States, Colombia, and Russia, in three languages.
Why it matters
Understanding the quality and recommendations of clinical practice guidelines for otitis externa is crucial for clinicians to ensure effective prevention and management strategies are implemented in practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes.