2024 Otolaryngology Research Highlights

In 2024, our ZSFG faculty published over 25 papers and received many noteworthy grants. Some highlighted studies are below:

“Predictors of No-Show in a Safety-Net Otolaryngology Clinic: A Repeated Measures Approach.”  The Laryngoscope

This study led by Dr. Mary Jue Xu demonstrated that neighborhood deprivation index, patient portal activation, and time from appointment scheduling date to visit date are significant predictors of patient no-show. The results of this study have now led to several different initiatives aimed at improving no-show rates including transportation assistance program and scheduling templates.

“Barriers to Care for Sleep Surgery at a Safety Net Hospital: Qualitative Patient Experiences”. The Laryngoscope

This study led by Dr. Megan Durr in collaboration with ZSFG sleep medicine team found that lack of knowledge of sleep apnea surgery options as well as referral delays posed significant challenges to obtaining sleep apnea surgery in our population at ZSFG. This project has led to several initiatives including a collaboration with internal medicine and family medicine to develop improved educational material and developing improved workflows for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who are struggling with PAP devices.

“Improving Access to Dental Fluoride for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing XRT”

This ongoing study led by Dr. Mary Jue and Shauna Brodie, NP received grant funding from the American Academy of Otolaryngology CORE grant as well as the Mount Zion Health Fund. Our team developed a novel program to apply fluoride dental varnish to post-radiation head and neck cancer patients who are at risk of dental complications but do not otherwise have access to routine dental care. The preliminary results have been submitted as an abstract to the upcoming Triological Society National Meeting.