Lessons learned from ENT activity during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain
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Abstract
Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection has a high incidence among healthcare professionals, especially otorhinolaryngologists (ENT).
Study objective: The objective of this study was to collect organizational, safety and protection aspects of otorhinolaryngologists during the peak of the 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in Spain.
Design / Material and methods: Cross-sectional study with an e-mail survey to the ENT partners of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC).
Results: 408 professionals completed the survey. Care of patients with COVID-19 represented more than 25% of healthcare activity for 24.4% of respondents. 213 respondents (52.6%) answered that a colleague tested positive or had been quarantined. The number of ENT surgeons diagnosed with COVID-19 or who were quarantined for compatible symptoms ranged between 1 and 12 per hospital (mean 2.2; median 2) and was related to regions with the highest incidence of coronavirus (62.1% vs 41 , 8%; p <0.001), direct care for patients with COVID-19 (81% vs 46.4%; p = 0.001) and on call activity (p = 0.01). 61.5% of the specialists attending inpatients and 40.4% attending outpatients did not always have the recommended personal protection equipment.
Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the organization and care activity of the Otorhinolaryngology departments.
Clinical importance: ENT specialists have not always had the protective equipment recommended by the protocols and a significant number have been affected by COVID-19.
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Este artículo es publicado por la Revista Acta de Otorrinolaringología & Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello.
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eISSN: 2539-0856
ISSN: 0120-8411
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