Outputs
Captured data were used to ascertain three outputs for non-expert
diagnosis (figure 2).
The first output was data captured by the questionnaire, which was used
for prediction model diagnosis. We also recorded time taken to
administer the questionnaire.
The second output was diagnosis reached by the non-expert (nurse), using
data they captured with the questionnaire and video otoscopy on the
Cupris device. They were asked to select a diagnosis from a list: normal
/ acute otitis media (AOM) / CSOM / inactive tympanic membrane
perforation / otitis externa / otitis media with effusion /
cholesteatoma / other.
The third output was tele-diagnosis by an expert, using data captured by
the non-expert (nurse). Questionnaire results were translated back into
English, and these and the otoscopic videos were anonymised and sent to
specialist otologists in the UK (authors [removed for blind peer
review] and [removed for blind peer review]). Owing to logistical
constraints, data were reviewed 9-11 months after capture. Experts were
asked to select a diagnosis from the same list as the nurse.
All assessments were blind to diagnosis by other methods.