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Best Practice Recommendations for Pediatric Otolaryngology during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Darrin V Bann1, Vijay A Patel1, Robert Saadi1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacts pediatric otolaryngology, necessitating careful management strategies. This review offers guidance for otolaryngologists treating children during this global health crisis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally.
- The impact on pediatric otolaryngology requires specific considerations for patient care and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of COVID-19 on pediatric otolaryngology.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for managing children with otolaryngologic conditions during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles.
- Inclusion of national/international guidelines and preprints for comprehensive data.
- Consensus-based development of practice guidelines by authors.
Main Results:
- The pandemic necessitates judicious allocation of medical resources.
- Prioritizing severe conditions and minimizing sequelae are crucial.
- Ensuring the safety of patients, physicians, and healthcare workers is paramount.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 will have lasting effects on global healthcare.
- Recommendations are provided to guide otolaryngologists in pediatric patient care.
- Proactive management is essential during this unprecedented health crisis.
Objective:
To review the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on pediatric otolaryngology and provide recommendations for the management of children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data Sources:
Clinical data were derived from peer-reviewed primary literature and published guidelines from national or international medical organizations. Preprint manuscripts and popular media articles provided background information and illustrative examples.
Methods:
Included manuscripts were identified via searches using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, while organizational guidelines and popular media articles were identified using Google search queries. Practice guidelines were developed via consensus among all authors based on peer-reviewed manuscripts and national or international health care association guidelines. Strict objective criteria for inclusion were not used due to the rapidly changing environment surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and a paucity of rigorous empirical evidence.
Conclusions:
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical care must be judiciously allocated to treat the most severe conditions while minimizing the risk of long-term sequelae and ensuring patient, physician, and health care worker safety.
Implications For Practice:
The COVID-19 pandemic will have a profound short- and long-term impact on health care worldwide. Although the full repercussions of this disease have yet to be realized, the outlined recommendations will guide otolaryngologists in the treatment of pediatric patients in the face of an unprecedented global health crisis.
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