Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on outpatient treatment in the ENT clinic

ABSTRACT

Introduction As a result of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a concept had to be devised in all clinics in order to ensure patient safety and staff protection. This included measures such as reducing patient numbers, introducing double triage and temporarily deploying treatment teams. The objective was to shorten the exposure time in order to protect against infection. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of these measures. Materials and Methods For the period July 2019 to July 2021, the numbers and treatment durations of all outpatient contacts during regular service from the hospital information system were analysed. Here, distinctions were made according to various treatment categories. Results Up to February 2020, the average number of patient contacts per month was 1669 ± 98. Following a reduced number of patient contacts from March 2020 due to the onset of the Coronavirus (1st lockdown), a highly significantly lower number of patients were treated as outpatients from May 2020 (1096 ± 141, p < 0.01). Prior to the pandemic, the mean treatment duration was 2.1 ± 0.1 hours, but later during the pandemic, only 1.5 ± 0.1 hours. The difference between both treatment durations was highly significant (p < 0.01). According to a comparison of treatment categories, only emergency patients appeared to have significantly longer maximum treatment durations than all other patient groups. Discussion:Even though compliance with all hygiene measures complicates the course of treatment, the main objective of shortening the duration of treatment was achieved. Mean and standard deviation represent 84 % of all patients. This parameter was incorporated into the clinic-s quality management system as a key figure that must be collected monthly.