COVID-19 pandemic effect on otolaryngology resident surgical case numbers

ABSTRACT

Introduction: We recognize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ear, nose, and throat (ENT) resident case volume;identify Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) key indicator cases most and least affected by the COIVD-19 pandemic;and compare how reduction in surgical volume varied at different hospital training sites. We are comparing surgical case numbers from the year prior to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to the year following the onset of the pandemic. This comparison required data gathering through February 2021. Methods: Retrospective analysis of ACGME surgical case logs for all residents at a large otolaryngology resident program for the time periods of March 2019 to February 2020 and March 2020 to February 2021 was performed. Case log numbers from the 2 time periods were compared and stratified for level of training, training site, and ACGME key indicator procedures. Results: The total decrease in surgical case numbers from March 2019-February 2020 to March 2020-February 2021 was 46%. Junior residents (postgraduate year [PGY]2/3) had a 28% decrease, while senior residents (PGY4/5) had a 54% decrease. Surgical case numbers decreased at all training sites. The Veteran Affairs Medical Center had the greatest decrease in case volume (69%), while the Children's Hospital had the smallest decrease (23%). The ACGME key indicator procedures with the largest decrease in case volume were oral cavity resection (62%), stapedectomy/ossiculoplasty (60%), and neck dissection (57%). The key indicator procedures with smallest decrease in case volume were parotidectomy (25%), flaps and grafts (27%), and bronchoscopy (27%). Conclusion: There was a substantial decrease in ENT resident surgical case volume following the onset of the COVID- 19 pandemic, affecting all training sites at our institution.