Skip to main content
Article
Changes to the practice of pediatric otolaryngology as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
  • Ashaka Patel, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
  • Agnieszka Dzioba, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
  • Paul Hong, IWK Health Centre
  • Murad Husein, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
  • Julie Strychowsky, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
  • Peng You, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
  • Josee Paradis, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
  • M. Elise Graham, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2022
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1016/j.ijporl.2021.111021
Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted medical practice globally. The objective of this study was to examine the changes to the practice of pediatric otolaryngology internationally due to the COVID-19 pandemic and examine potential contributors. Method: An online survey was designed to assess practice demographics, patterns of COVID-19 related restrictions in communities, and changes to practice and referrals. This was disseminated via an international Covid-19 WhatsApp™ group of pediatric otolaryngologists. Results: There were 45 respondents of 177 group members (25.4%) from 15 countries. The mean estimated time spent under strictest lockdown measures was 16.2 (±10.7) weeks (range: 1–45 weeks). Operating room time was reduced for 82.9%, with an average reported reduction of 41.5%. Almost all (>75%) of respondents reported reduced referrals for five common conditions: otitis media with effusion (average reported decrease – 56.1%); acute otitis media (average decrease 62.8%); acute mastoiditis (average decrease 66.6%); recurrent pharyngotonsillitis (average decrease 51.0%); and peritonsillar abscess (average decrease 52.1%). COVID-19 cases per million population significantly influenced the acuity of referrals received (p <.05). No conditions were reported as increased in frequency and the acuity of most conditions was reported as unchanged by the majority of respondents. Conclusion: The measures taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have resulted in many changes to pediatric otolaryngology practice and the referral patterns of common conditions. Some of these changes may have enduring sequelae.

Citation Information
Ashaka Patel, Agnieszka Dzioba, Paul Hong, Murad Husein, et al.. "Changes to the practice of pediatric otolaryngology as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic" International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Vol. 153 (2022)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/murad-husein/6/