Restructuring ENT out-patient services during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic - an iterative approach.
J Laryngol Otol
; 134(8): 670-679, 2020 Aug.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1049931
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Coronavirus disease 2019 has demanded enormous adjustments to National Health Service provisions. Non-urgent out-patient work was initially postponed or performed virtually, but is now being re-established. In ENT surgery, aerosol-generating procedures pose a particular challenge in out-patient settings.OBJECTIVE:
A rapid restructuring of ENT out-patient services is required, to safely accommodate aerosol-generating procedures and increase in-person attendances, whilst coronavirus disease 2019 persists.METHODS:
Data were collected prospectively over four consecutive cycles. Two surveys were conducted. Results were analysed and disseminated, with recommendations for service restructuring implemented at cycle end-points.RESULTS:
Out-patient activity increased four-fold, associated with a significant rise in aerosol-generating procedures during the study period. Mean aerosol-generating procedure duration dropped weekly, implying a learning curve. Service restructuring occurred at cycle end-points.CONCLUSION:
Iterative data gathering, results analysis and outcome dissemination enabled a swift, data-driven approach to the restructuring of ENT out-patient services. Patient and staff safety was ensured, whilst out-patient capacity was optimised.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Otolaryngology
/
Outpatients
/
Pneumonia, Viral
/
Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures
/
Coronavirus Infections
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
J Laryngol Otol
Journal subject:
Otolaryngology
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S0022215120001450
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