Impact of Socioeconomic Disparities Among Pediatric Airway and Otology Patients on Access to Care

Objective Socioeconomic disparities are ubiquitous in pediatric otolaryngology, yet there is no literature comparing barriers to care for patients who are referred for hearing and airway‐related complaints. This study investigates the differences in obstacles to care between the pediatric otology and airway patient cohorts and how they influence patient access and compliance. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary children's hospital. All new patients seen in the otology or airway specialty clinics in 2019 were included. Area deprivation index, number of adults and children in the residence, insurance status, guardianship, distance traveled to the specialty clinic, referral status, follow up recommendations, and adherence to treatment recommendations and follow up were collected. Results Three hundred and sixty three new patients were identified (160 [44.1%] otology, 203 [55.9%] airway). Otology patients were more likely to have a guardian other than the biological parent compared to airway patients (13.1% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.004). Airway patients were significantly younger at the time of evaluation compared to otology patients. Referral from primary care or other specialty clinics was more likely in otology patients (77.6% vs. 64.8%, p = 0.014). Airway patients were more likely to have at least one no‐show compared to otology patients (15.8% vs. 6.9%; p = 0.011). Conclusions Otology patients were more likely to be referred to the specialty clinic, have fewer no‐shows, and attend a higher number of follow‐up visits despite having minimal differences in social demographics. Future study targeting follow‐up and retention for airway clinic patients is needed. Level of Evidence 4.