The impact of implementing an epistaxis protocol on the standard of care and outcome of patients with severe spontaneous epistaxis: a retrospective cohort study
Van Coppenholle Tomas, Galle Imani, 2025
Most of us have already experienced a nosebleed at one point or another. Most of them are not life-threatening and stop on their own. However, for some individuals, they can escalate into a serious problem requiring medical intervention. These patients, who often present in the emergency room, need fast and effective treatment to manage severe, spontaneous nosebleeds.
Until 2012, Ghent University Hospital faced a challenge: there was no clear, standardized guideline for treating these heavy cases of nosebleeds. Healthcare providers relied on different, sometimes inconsistent approaches, leading to unpredictable outcomes for patients. Recognizing this, the hospital developed a structured treatment protocol – a carefully sequenced approach that moves from basic clinical measures to more advanced treatments, including surgical options. This protocol was designed to standardize care and improve outcomes for patients with severe nosebleeds.
Now, twelve years after its implementation, this study takes a comprehensive look at the real impact of the protocol on patient care. Who are the patients affected by severe nosebleeds? How were they managed under the protocol and what were the outcomes? Did the protocol achieve its goals of providing consistent, high-quality care and reducing variability in treatment?
This evaluation is essential to answer key questions about patient outcomes. Did the protocol lead to shorter hospital stays? Has it reduced the recurrence of nosebleeds? Or has it provided specific insights into the impact of this approach on different specific patient groups? Understanding the true impact of this protocol on clinical practice allows healthcare providers to see where improvements can still be made and reinforces the value of standardized, evidence-based care in improving patient outcomes.
| Promotor | Thibaut Van Zele |
| Opleiding | Geneeskunde |
| Domein | Neus-keel-oor |
| Kernwoorden | epistaxis protocol |