Otolaryngology Consult Protocols in the Setting of COVID-19: The University of Pittsburgh Approach.
Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol
; 131(1): 12-26, 2022 Jan.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1156035
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze trends in otolaryngology consultations and provide algorithms to guide management during the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS:
A retrospective cohort study at a single institution tertiary care hospital. A total of 95 otolaryngology consultations were performed from March 1, 2020 to April 26, 2020 (COVID-era) and 363 were performed from September 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020 (pre-COVID-era) at the UPMC Oakland campus. Data collected included patient demographics, COVID-19 status, reason for consult, location of consult, type of consult, procedures performed, need for surgical intervention, length of hospital stay and recommended follow up.RESULTS:
Patient populations in the pre-COVID-era and COVID-era were similar in terms of their distribution of demographics and chief complaints. Craniofacial trauma was the most common reason for consultation in both periods, followed by vocal fold and airway-related consults. We saw a 21.5% decrease in the rate of consults seen per month during the COVID-era compared to the 6 months prior. Review of trends in the consult workflow allowed for development of several algorithms to safely approach otolaryngology consults during the COVID-19 pandemic.CONCLUSIONS:
Otolaryngology consultations provide valuable services to inpatients and patients in the emergency department ranging from evaluation of routine symptoms to critical airways. Systematic otolaryngology consult service modifications are required in order to reduce risk of exposure to healthcare providers while providing comprehensive patient care.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Otolaryngology
/
Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases
/
Referral and Consultation
/
Algorithms
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Diagnostic study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Systematic review/Meta Analysis
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
/
Young adult
Country/Region as subject:
North America
Language:
English
Journal:
Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
00034894211005937
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS