ABSTRACT
Introduction: In the UK between the March 23, 2020 and May 10, 2020, the government enforced a lockdown. This, combined with COVID, caused OMFS hospitals across London to experience a change in staffing, resources and patient presentations. This study examines these changes, how patient care was adapted during this period and what can be learnt for the future. Method(s): Data was collected from OMFS units attached to all 4 level 1 trauma centers in London. Prospective data was collected from March 23, 2020-May 10, 2020 (1st period). Retrospective data was collected from hospital coding records for 23rd of March - May 10, 2019 (2nd period). Data was collected on all referrals to the OMFS team including diagnosis, patient demographics and treatment received. Result(s): There was an 84% reduction in patients presenting with mandible fracture. 2 units with dental emergency services experienced no change in dental abscess presentations whilst the other 2 units saw a decrease of 70-75%. There was a trend towards reducing admission and general anaesthetic treatments. Most mandible fractures were treated in the outpatient setting with 1 unit discharging 100% of mandible fractures that presented to A&E. Only 13 of 72 paediatric lacerations were treated with general anaesthetic. Conclusion(s): The COVID lockdown period, like war time, posed great challenges to healthcare provision. This paper presents the changes experienced and how patients were managed. Aiming to allow reflection and learning to guide changes in management to be adopted for the future.Copyright © 2022
ABSTRACT
Aim: Since the source of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it has become global health emergency. It is life threatening condition and dentistry has been classified as the high-risk job let alone be the oral and maxillofacial surgeons, because of direct exposure to blood and saliva. The standard although are good are not sufficient during the pandemic like COVID-19. Adequate screening as well as the proper infection control measures are recommended. To know Infection control measures practiced by oral and maxillofacial surgeons during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 353 oral maxillofacial surgeons to know the infection control measures practiced by them during COVID pandemic. Results: This study shows that majority of infection control measures were practiced more in government hospitals when compared to private hospitals Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis was used. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Conclusion This study highlights that oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing infection control measures like use of prophylactic medication, high volume extra oral suction, negative pressure room, use of heap filters, fumigation system, and use of chemicals for disinfection were less likely to be affected by COVID-19. Clinical significance: The findings of this study will help us to provide practical advice to oral surgeons regarding appropriate use of infection control measures to protect themselves from the risk of COVID-19 infection during surgical procedures. © The Author(s). 2022 Open Access.
ABSTRACT
Introduction In the UK between the 23rd of March 2020 and 10th of May 2020, the government enforced a lockdown. This, combined with COVID, caused OMFS hospitals across London to experience a change in staffing, resources and patient presentations. This study examines these changes, how patient care was adapted during this period and what can be learnt for the future. Method Data was collected from OMFS units attached to all 4 level 1 trauma centers in London. Prospective data was collected from 23rd of March 2020–10th of May 2020 (1st period). Retrospective data was collected from hospital coding records for 23rd of March - 10th of May 2019 (2nd period). Data was collected on all referrals to the OMFS team including diagnosis, patient demographics and treatment received. Results There was an 84% reduction in patients presenting with mandible fracture. 2 units with dental emergency services experienced no change in dental abscess presentations whilst the other 2 units saw a decrease of 70–75%. There was a trend towards reducing admission and general anaesthetic treatments. Most mandible fractures were treated in the outpatient setting with 1 unit discharging 100% of mandible fractures that presented to A&E. Only 13 of 72 paediatric lacerations were treated with general anaesthetic. Conclusion The COVID lockdown period, like war time, posed great challenges to healthcare provision. This paper presents the changes experienced and how patients were managed. Aiming to allow reflection and learning to guide changes in management to be adopted for the future.