Dr Shanker Vijayadeva

I agree about the lack of eye contact, which is a weaknesses of my consultation style. I tend to frantically multi-task by reading/checking the patient's notes at the same time as listening as I want to maximise the opportunity to check for any other health issues that we should be considering - e.g. has there been a recent Blood Pressure check? Recent screening blood tests? Any outstanding issues from previous contact etc? Any medication that needs reviewing? I also need to use the screen to enter notes, issue prescriptions and request investigations etc. Unfortunately this means I tend to be staring the screen, but I do try to listen as much as possible even if I am not making eye contact. I will aim to improve this although the main solution would be longer appointment lengths. Most ear infections can resolve on their own without antibiotics. However sometimes we use oral antibiotics for inner ear ("behind the ear drum") infections and topical antibiotics (e.g. drops) for outer ear ("ear canal") infections. Usually topical antibiotics do not tend to work well for inner ear infections and likewise, oral antibiotics do not tend to be best option for outer ear infections. I did describe what I found on examination and my suggested treatment plan, but I am sorry if my explanation was not clear enough. If your symptoms are not improving, please follow my previous advice to contact the surgery to seek a review. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

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