ABSTRACT
Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to many changes in the residency application process. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of these changes on the cost of applying to otolaryngology residency programs. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the Texas Seeking Transparency in Application to Residency (Texas STAR) Dashboard database to determine the differences in residency application costs from 2019 to 2022. Applicant information and cost data including application fees, interview expenses, away rotation expenses, total expenses, and geographic regions were collected. Median expenses and interquartile ranges were reported for each year and geographic region. Non-parametric comparisons were conducted. Results: Data from 499 otolaryngology applicants were collected from the Texas STAR database. The total expenses, interview expenses, and away rotation expenses of applicants from 2019 to 2022 were significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in all regions of the United States with the greatest decrease between 2020 and 2021. Application fees (p = 0.005) were not significantly different among regions of the United States throughout the time period studied. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased the total expenses of applying to otolaryngology residencies including away rotation and interview expenses.
ABSTRACT
Objective To review changes made by otolaryngology residency program directors (PDs) during the 2020-2021 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) match cycle and describe their attitudes toward the 2021-2022 match cycle. Methods Cross-sectional study using an anonymous 31-item online survey in Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) with questions regarding the 2020-2021 NRMP match. This survey was distributed to 125 PDs from Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited otolaryngology residency programs. Results Thirty-three PDs responded (26.4%). Of the PDs, 78.8% had an online info-session prior to the start of the cycle, and 30.3% reported that an increased number of applicants contacted them compared to the prior cycle. There were no changes made in Step 1 criteria (72.7%), and 81.8% reported no changes in interview selection. Of the PDs, 54.5% reported interviewing more candidates. Respondents reported a decreased cancellation rate (66.7%) and cost of recruiting (87.9%); 87.9% said that they did not change the way they developed their rank order list (ROL), and 84.8% reported matching at their usual level compared to prior years. Of the respondents, 42.4% reported making a change that was an overall improvement for their program. Of the PDs, 34.4% were unsure whether they would sustain virtual interviews in 2021-2022, 25% stated that they would not incorporate virtual interviews, and 40.7% stated that they would incorporate a virtual interview in some part of the cycle. Conclusion Otolaryngology PDs approached virtual interviewing in different ways. Despite the changes made, applicants can find comfort in knowing that match outcomes were perceived as typical by a majority of PDs.
ABSTRACT
Our objective is to identify novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with a diagnosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) with an aim to describe possible mechanisms. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Our search terms included: "Sensorineural Hearing Loss" + "COVID-19" or "Sensorineural Hearing Loss" + "SARS-CoV-2" or "Sensorineural Hearing Loss" + "Coronavirus". Studies that adhered to the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the review. Of the 20 articles identified in the initial search, five met the inclusion criteria. The included articles consisted of four case studies and one letter to the editor, with seven total patients analyzed. All patients were COVID-19 positive and exhibited SSNHL, either unilateral or bilateral. Four patients reported tinnitus and two patients experienced vertigo. One patient was treated with hydroxychloroquine and one patient was treated with a variety of medications. Four patients were treated with intravenous and/or oral steroids intended to treat the SSNHL. The current literature describing SSNHL in COVID-19 patients is insufficient to characterize the pattern of hearing loss or advise about the treatment or outcomes. Future studies require a larger database or population study.
ABSTRACT
Our objective is to analyze the risk of particle spread through mastoidectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic with an aim to assess the tools used to mitigate the spread. A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Our search terms included: MASTOIDECTOMY + COVID-19 or MASTOIDECTOMY + SAR- CoV-2 or MASTOIDECTOMY + CORONAVIRUS. Studies consistent with the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the review. Of the 20 articles identified in the initial search, six met the inclusion criteria. The included articles were all experimental studies, with five studies using cadaver subjects and one study using live human subjects. Three studies measured droplet spread and three studies measured aerosolized particle spread. The maximum distance of particle spread ranged from 30 cm to 208 cm. Four studies assessed the use of a barrier system, with two using the OtoTent and two using a barrier drape. Two studies defined the microscope alone as a possible mitigatory tool. One study compared burr type and size to determine the effects on particle spread. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, evaluation of tools to mitigate particle spread is imperative for the safety of the surgical team and the healthcare system at large. Barrier drapes, OtoTents and microscopes all have proven to mitigate particle spread; however, further research needs to be performed to compare their efficacy and develop a standard of safety.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To identify the concerns of parents whose children may need elective surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: In December 2020, parents of pediatric otolaryngology patients were recruited for a survey about concerns related to elective surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Likert scale quantified concern. The 1 was anchored "Not at all important" and 5 was "Most important." Demographics included gender, age, race, education level, number of children in household, and whether their child had surgery since March 2020. RESULTS: About 253 participants were included. Medians ranged from 1 for concerns about emotional and family support to 4 for concerns about their child being exposed to COVID-19 in the Emergency Room. Black parents were more concerned about the risks of COVID than White parents; they were more concerned about their child contracting COVID-19 during surgery compared to White parents, median was 4 versus 3 (P = .027). Black parents had a median score of 3 for concern about medical expenses compared to a median of 2 (P = .001). Parents of children who had surgery since March 2020 had less concern about their child being exposed to COVID-19 during hospitalization (P = .045) and less concern about critique from others (P = .024). CONCLUSION: Parents were most concerned about the risk of seeking Emergency Room care. Black parents were generally more concerned about having their child undergo elective surgery. Whether this is translated into fewer Black children undergoing important but elective surgery requires more study.