Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the Practice of Otolaryngology

Abstract

Objectives: Otolaryngologists in Texas have been greatly affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Executive orders and professional recommendations have changed the way otolaryngologists practice. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of COVID-19 on otolaryngologists in the state of Texas.Methods: We surveyed the Texas Association of Otolaryngology to evaluate burnout, research output, and ability to respond to the pandemic. We also looked at the effect of Texas governmental executive orders GA-09 and GA-15 on work hours and patient load.Results: Our survey showed no significant difference in personnel contracting COVID-19 with perception of adequate personal protective equipment (P = 0.203), population density (P = 0.445), or type of practice (P = 0.763). The phenomenon of "pandemic burnout" was prevalent, with prolonged uncertainty the primary contributing factor for burnout caused by the pandemic. Conclusions:The response to COVID-19 and the course of the pandemic are continuing to evolve and may play a significant role in how otolaryngologists practice and on their well-being during the pandemic.

Factors related to wellness and burnout in academic otolaryngology: A pre‐ and Post‐COVID‐19 analysis

“…Momin et al ( n = 38) found that a common stressor among otolaryngologists was an inability to meet their patients' needs. 10 …”

“…Otolaryngologists also faced patient‐care challenges with the suspension of elective procedures at the start of the pandemic. Momin et al ( n = 38) found that a common stressor among otolaryngologists was an inability to meet their patients' needs 10 …”

“…1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 With the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020, physicians faced unprecedented stressors and novel risk factors for burnout. 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 As the public health and economic implications of physician burnout become clear, it is increasingly important to address drivers of physician burnout. 14 , 15 , 16 , 17…”

“… 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 For example, females report substantially higher levels of emotional exhaustion than males, 20 , 23 and academic chairs have among the lowest sense of personal accomplishment despite high objective accomplishment. 24 , 26 While some studies have characterized burnout in otolaryngologists during the pandemic, 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 there is a paucity of literature comparing risk factors before and after the start of the pandemic, as well as exploring how attitudes toward well‐being have changed over time.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, physicians faced unprecedented stressors and novel risk factors for burnout. [9][10][11][12][13] As the public health and economic implications of physician burnout become clear, it is increasingly important to address drivers of physician burnout. [14][15][16][17] Several studies have characterized risk factors for burnout in otolaryngology.…”