Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Activity of Physicians Working in the Areas of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology

Abstract

Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infection caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and it is highly transmissible, especially through respiratory droplets. To prepare the health system for the care of these patients also led to a restriction in the activity of several medical specialties. Physicians who work with patients affected by diseases of the head and neck region constitute one of the populations most vulnerable to COVID-19 and also most affected by the interruption of their professional activities. Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of head and neck surgeons and otorhinolaryngologists in Brazil. Methods An anonymous online survey of voluntary participation was applied, containing 30 questions regarding demographic aspects, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), and impact on the routine of head and neck surgeons and otorhinolaryngologists, as well as clinical oncologists and radiation oncologists who work with head and neck diseases. Results Seven hundred and twenty-nine answers were received in a period of 4 days, ∼ 40 days after the 1st confirmed case in Brazil. With professionals working in public and private services, there was a high level of concerns with the disease and its consequences, limited availability of PPE and a significant decrease in the volume of specialized medical care. Conclusion The study demonstrated a direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice of specialties related to the treatment of patients with diseases of the head and neck region already in the beginning of the illness management in Brazil.

Besonderheiten in der Behandlung von Patienten mit Kopf-Hals-Karzinomen in Zeiten der COVID-19-Pandemie

“…Es bestand mehrheitlich Einigkeit darüber, dass die flexible transnasale Endoskopie nur bei Anwendung einer persönlichen Schutzausrüstung sinnvoll durchzuführen sei [6,7] [13].…”

“…Es bestand mehrheitlich Einigkeit darüber, dass die flexible transnasale Endoskopie nur bei Anwendung einer persönlichen Schutzausrüstung sinnvoll durchzuführen sei [ 6 , 7 ]. Auf diagnostischer Seite fand sich eine breite Zustimmung für die Biopsie eines zugänglichen Primarius in Lokalanästhesie, um auf eine Panendoskopie in Vollnarkose zu verzichten.…”

Why We Need to Use and which Mask Types are Effective against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

“…13 Kowalski et al published here the "Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the activity of physicians working in the areas of head and neck surgery and otorhinolaryngology" and they demonstrated a direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice of specialties related to the treatment of patients with diseases of the head and neck region already in the beginning of the management of the illness in Brazil. 15 In the first Editorial, Itzhak Brook discusses about prevention of COVID-19 infection in neck breathers, including laryngectomees, highlighting the hygiene care that these patients must have in order to prevent contamination with this disease.…”

“…Kowalski et al published here the “Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the activity of physicians working in the areas of head and neck surgery and otorhinolaryngology” and they demonstrated a direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice of specialties related to the treatment of patients with diseases of the head and neck region already in the beginning of the management of the illness in Brazil. 15 …”

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physicians Working in the Head and Neck Field

“…Many institutions and medical societies in the fields of otolaryngology and head and neck cancer have suggested postponing non-urgent patient care, 1 4 5 6 7 8 leading to a reduction in the volume of outpatient appointments, exams and surgeries. 9 10 As a result, the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other non-COVID-19 progressive diseases may be delayed, thus impacting morbidity, mortality and treatment costs. 11 12 13 …”