Changes to the practice of pediatric otolaryngology as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Personal protective equipment availability and usage amongst pediatric otorhinolaryngologists during the COVID-19 pandemic: An international survey.

OBJECTIVES: To survey a group of global pediatric otolaryngology specialists to assess their usage and access to personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A survey of 13 questions was created collecting information on: basic demographics of practice, types of PPE used for procedures of varying aerosolization risk, access to positive air-purifying respirator (PAPR) and patient testing for SARS-CoV-2. Pediatric otolaryngologists were invited to complete the survey via Whatsapp™. RESULTS: 96 responses were collected from 17 different countries. N95 was the most commonly utilized PPE when dealing with COVID-19 patients (64.2%-81.9% depending on aerosolization risk of the procedure). Significantly higher use of PAPR was noted in high-risk aerosolization generating medical procedures, when compared to other risks. Face covering was used consistently (91.6%). Most respondents (78.1%, n = 75) had access to PAPR or had at least requested it. The majority of patients (56.2%, n = 54) was being tested for SARS-CoV-2 prior to procedures performed in operating rooms (OR); whereas, only 1.1% (n = 1) of clinic patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 irrespective of the history or symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS: Most pediatric otolaryngologists used N95 and some form of face covering (eg. goggles, face shields) when dealing with patients with COVID-19 positive status. PAPR was used in situations of high aerosolization risk. Majority of respondents were screening all patients prior to procedures in the operating room.