Investigators: Chris Brennan-Jones, Courtney Mcmahen, Eman Al-Enezi, Holly Richmond, June Doyle, Karina Tao, Kathryn Jajko, Natasha Morrison, Rosanne Barnes, Sharon Weeks, Val Swift
External collaborators: Alessandra Locatelli-Smith (Perth Children's Hospital), Allison Reid (Perth Children's Hospital)
Our research team has several projects where we are aiming to improve care for children with middle ear infections (otitis media). An important examination for these projects involves looking inside the ear to see the eardrum (called otoscopy), which helps specialist doctors diagnose infections and recommend treatments. However, it can be difficult to get a clear image of the eardrum, which can make it longer before treatment can be given.
The purpose of this study is to compare still images and short videos to find the best method to see the ear drum so that specialists can diagnose middle ear infections quickly and provide children with treatment. We’ll use the findings from this study to guide us on the best way to do otoscopy for our other projects.