Prepared for:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

2101 East Jefferson Street

Rockville, MD 20852

www.ahrq.gov

Contract No: 290-97-0001, Task Order No. 04

Prepared by:

Southern California Evidence-based Practice Center

EPC Director

Paul Shekelle, M.D., Ph.D.

Principle Investigators

Glenn Takata, M.D.

Linda S. Chan, Ph.D.

Investigators

Rita Mangione-Smith, M.D.

Pamela M. Corley, MSLS

Tricia Morphew, M.S.

Sally Morton, Ph.D.

AHRQ Publication No. 03-E023

May 2003

This report may be used, in whole or in part, as the basis for development of clinical practice guidelines and other quality enhancement tools, or a basis for reimbursement and coverage policies. AHRQ or U.S. Department of Health and Human Services endorsement of such derivative products may not be stated or implied.

AHRQ is the lead Federal agency charged with supporting research designed to improve the quality of health care, reduce its cost, address patient safety and medical errors, and broaden access to essential services. AHRQ sponsors and conducts research that provides evidence-based information on health care outcomes; quality; and cost, use, and access. The information helps health care decisionmakerspatients and clinicians, health system leaders, and policymakersmake more informed decisions and improve the quality of health care services.

This document is in the public domain and may be used and reprinted without permission except those copyrighted materials noted for which further reproduction is prohibited without the specific permission of copyright holders.

Suggested Citation:

Shekelle P, Takata G, Chan L, et al. Diagnosis, Natural History, and Late Effects of Otitis Media with Effusion. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 55 (Prepared by Southern California Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No 290-97-0001, Task Order No. 4). AHRQ Publication No. 03-E023. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. May 2003.