Telemedicine for head and neck cancer surveillance in the COVID-19 era: Promise and pitfalls.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to increased telemedicine visits. This study examines current preferences and barriers for telemedicine among patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS: Single institution retrospective analysis of 64 patients scheduling visits with the head and neck surgical oncology clinic at a tertiary academic medical center. Data were collected detailing patient preferences and barriers regarding telemedicine appointments. Patients electing to participate in telemedicine were compared to those preferring in-person appointments. RESULTS: Most patients (68%) were not interested in telemedicine. Preference for in-person examination was the most common reason for rejecting telemedicine, followed by discomfort with or limited access to technology. Patients elected telemedicine visits to avoid infection and for convenience. CONCLUSIONS: When given a choice, patients with head and neck cancer preferred in-person visits over telemedicine. Although telemedicine may improve health care access, patient preferences, technology-related barriers, and limitations regarding cancer surveillance must be addressed moving forward.

AHNS endocrine surgery section consensus statement on nasopharyngolaryngoscopy and clinic reopening during COVID-19: How to get back to optimal safe care.

This article provides best practice guidelines regarding nasopharyngolaryngoscopy and OHNS clinic reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to provide evidence-based recommendations defining the risks of COVID-19 in clinic, the importance of pre-visit screening in addition to testing, along with ways to adhere to CDC guidelines for environmental, source, and engineering controls.