The psychological impact of COVID-19 on ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists

Abstract

Introduction Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists are a high-risk group for COVID-19. Although the implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection on physical health are well-documented, the psychological impact is frequently overlooked. Aims The aim of this study was to gauge the psychological impact of COVID-19 on ENT specialists in Ireland. Methods A national, cross-sectional, web-based survey was distributed to ENT specialists during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic (21 st May 2020–21 st June 2020). The questionnaire collected sociodemographic and COVID-19 related data. The GAD-7 was utilized to measure symptoms of clinically significant anxiety disorder. Results Thirty-eight ENT specialists (M/F:24/12, median age, 38.7 years (23–60 years)) completed the survey. About 34% ( n = 13) of participants screened positive for an anxiety disorder, of which 2 (5%) had moderate symptoms. The majority of participants ( n = 32, 84%) felt ENT specialists had increased exposure to SARS-CoV-2 compared with other medical specialties. Additionally, 32% ( n = 12) felt incapable of protecting themselves from infection. An encouraging proportion of ENT specialists ( n = 22, 58%) were aware of psychological support available from national and institutional organizations. Conclusions The long-term psychological sequelae of COVID-19 will be felt as the physical burden eases. As we adjust to new normalities, ENT surgeons must be conscientious of the mental health issues that arise from the working environment. Sources of anxiety emanated from a lack of control over infection risk, increased vulnerability to COVID-19 relative to other specialties and the implications this has for ENT specialists and their families. Future interventions must focus on increasing awareness of the available psychological support services for our healthcare workers.

Bariatric surgeons' experiences of working in the first year of the pandemic

“…An Irish survey of 38 ENT specialists found that 34% ( n = 13) screen positive for anxiety, and 84% ( n = 32) felt that they had increased exposure to the virus compared with other specialties, with 32% (=12) feeling unable to protect themselves from Covid‐19. 24 The rates of burnout and increased risk of poor outcomes for 684 orthopedic surgeons in a cross sectional survey across five countries was found to be high irrespective of healthcare system. 25 This has important repercussions for bariatric surgeons who may experience parallel issues in terms of the context specificity of their own work.…”

“…Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists are a high‐risk group for Covid‐19 and potentially increased psychological harm. An Irish survey of 38 ENT specialists found that 34% ( n = 13) screen positive for anxiety, and 84% ( n = 32) felt that they had increased exposure to the virus compared with other specialties, with 32% (=12) feeling unable to protect themselves from Covid‐19 24 . The rates of burnout and increased risk of poor outcomes for 684 orthopedic surgeons in a cross sectional survey across five countries was found to be high irrespective of healthcare system 25 .…”

Stress and Anxiety of Otorhinolaryngology Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevalence and Associated Factors

“…The prevalence of anxiety in our study are in accordance with results from previous surveys which used self-report questionnaires validated in general population. The prevalence of anxiety in ENT-HCWs from previous studies are 38% by General Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), 2 29.18% by Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale, 3 and 7.8% measured by the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS). 7 To our knowledge, this is the first survey in ENT-HCWs using a newly developed screening tools for stress and anxiety among HCWs in response to viral epidemics, the SAVE-9.…”

“…Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in Otorhinolaryngology or Ear Nose Throat (ENT) had high prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression during COVID-19 pandemic. [1][2][3][4] As there are growing demand on clinical works of ENT-HCWs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to understand their stress, anxiety, and associated factors so that further mental health promotion or intervention programs can be designed and implemented. This study aims to explore stress and anxiety among ENT-HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

The Effect of the 2021 Irish Cyber-Attack on Otolaryngology Outpatient Non-attendance at a Model 4 Hospital in the Post-COVID Era

“…Furthermore, waiting lists in ENT are long, and many patients wait months for appointments, with some unfortunately waiting several years. Over 50,000 patients are on an otolaryngology waiting list, with over 20,000 scheduled to wait more than 18 months for an appointment [ 10 ].…”