Objective The objective of this study was to develop an international expert consensus on priority otolaryngology–head and neck surgery conditions and procedures globally for which national health systems should be capable of caring. Study Design The Delphi method was employed via a multiround online survey administered to attending otolaryngologists in an international research collaborative of >180 otolaryngologists in >40 countries. Setting International online survey. Methods In round 1, participants listed the top 15 otolaryngologic conditions and top 15 otolaryngology procedures for their World Bank regions. In round 2, participants ranked round 1 responses in order of global importance on a 5-point Likert scale. In round 3, participants reranked conditions and procedures that did not achieve consensus, defined as 50% of the round 2 Likert responses being ranked as “important” or “very important.” Descriptive statistics were calculated for each round. Results The survey was distributed to 53 experts globally, with a response rate of 38% (n = 20). Fifty percent (n = 10) of participants were from low- and middle-income countries, with at least 1 participant from each World Bank region. Ten consensus surgical procedures and 10 consensus conditions were identified. Conclusion This study identified a list of priority otolaryngology–head and neck surgery conditions and surgical procedures for which all national health systems around the world should be capable of managing. Acute and infectious conditions with preventative and emergent procedures were highlighted. These findings can direct future research and guide international collaborations.

Purpose of reviewOpen access articles are more frequently read and cited, and hence promote access to knowledge and new advances in healthcare. Unaffordability of open access article processing charges (APCs) may create a barrier to sharing research. We set out to assess the affordability of APCs and impact on publishing for otolaryngology trainees and otolaryngologists in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Recent findingsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted among otolaryngology trainees and otolaryngologists in LMICs globally. Seventy-nine participants from 21 LMICs participated in the study, with the majority from lower middle-income status (66%). Fifty-four percent were otolaryngology lecturers while 30% were trainees. Eighty-seven percent of participants received a gross monthly salary of less than USD 1500. Fifty-two percent of trainees did not receive a salary. Ninety-one percent and 96% of all study participants believed APCs limit publication in open access journals and influence choice of journal for publication, respectively. Eighty percent and 95% believed APCs hinder career progression and impede sharing of research that influences patient care, respectively.

Objectives To explore the impact of female sex on the experiences of trainees and surgeons in otolaryngology from LMIC and HIC. Methods This study includes perspectives of five consultants and two resident physicians from the United States, United Kingdom, Uganda, Kenya and South Africa. Results Six themes emerged from these interviews. Overall, LMIC and HIC women shared similar experiences of microaggressions during patients, working along ancillary staff, related to pregnancy, imposter syndrome, difficulties during job search, and unique barriers as consultant. Conclusions The findings of this study highlight that gender disparities are present at all levels in Otolaryngology but can present differently depending on context. Laryngoscope, 133:547–551, 2023

Purpose of reviewTo highlight the need for comprehensive resource lists to provide baseline care of otolaryngologic conditions; to present a proposed list of essential equipment and services that may be applied toward surgical systems research, policymaking, and charitable efforts in global otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Recent findingsTo provide effective and high-quality surgical care across care settings, there must be a global standard for equipment and ancillary services necessary to provide baseline care. Though there have been efforts to devise resource standards via equipment lists and appraisal tools, these have been limited in scope to general surgery, emergency care, and a few other subspecialty surgical contexts. Recent efforts have brought attention to the significant burden imposed by otolaryngologic conditions such as hearing loss, otitis media, head and neck cancer, head and neck trauma, and upper airway foreign bodies. Yet, there has not been a comprehensive list of resources necessary to provide baseline care for common otolaryngologic conditions.