نبذة مختصرة : Introduction: Traditionally, grommet post-surgical follow-up care has been undertaken by otorhinolaryngologists (ORLs), but in a large public outpatient ORL service in Auckland, New Zealand (Counties Manukau), this responsibility has been partially devolved to general practitioners (GPs). Aim: The purpose of this study is to explore the perspectives and experiences of families/whānau and GPs regarding grommet services for children. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used with family/whānau comprising semi-structured interviews and a GP survey. Recruitment of families/whānau reflected the local demographic and all participants were primary carers of a child who had received grommet surgery between 2020 and 2021. All GPs were practising in clinics within the ORL service catchment area. Results: Twenty-eight family/whānau interviews were conducted, and 22 GPs responded to the survey. Five main themes were identified: (1) awareness of child development; (2) challenges accessing health care; (3) responses to health information; (4) importance of aftercare; and (5) preference for service provision. Most (16) GP respondents reported they should not be responsible for post-surgical follow-up after grommet insertion. Lack of capacity and funding were identified as key barriers to GP-led follow-up. Discussion: Families/whānau highly valued follow-up services and hearing evaluations after grommet insertion, and had a strong preference for clinicians with perceived expertise in ear and hearing care (ORLs and audiologists). They reported multiple barriers to receiving the desired care. Māori and Pacific families/whānau experienced additional delays for referrals into specialist services. GPs showed low support for primary care-led grommet follow-up care, with most not providing routine grommet checks after surgery.
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