Best practice recommendations: ENT consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Disease Control
• Public Health

Background:

• Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists face high exposure risks to SARS-CoV-2.
• Certain ENT examinations and treatments pose a significant risk of viral contamination.
• Asymptomatic patients can transmit the virus, necessitating universal precautions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish best practice recommendations for ENT consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To outline essential safety measures for healthcare professionals in ENT settings.
• To minimize the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in ENT practice.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific data on SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks in ENT procedures.
• Categorization of ENT examinations and procedures based on aerosolization/projection risk.
• Development of tiered personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines.

Main Results:

• ENT procedures with no projection/aerosolization risk require standard PPE (long sleeve outfit, surgical mask, gloves).
• ENT procedures with projection/aerosolization risk demand enhanced PPE, including airborne, contact, and droplet precautions.
• Enhanced PPE includes FFP2/N95 respirators, eye protection, headwear, and overgowns.

Conclusions:

• Consistent and appropriate PPE is crucial for protecting ENT professionals from SARS-CoV-2.
• Risk assessment of procedures is key to selecting the correct level of protection.
• Adherence to these recommendations ensures safer ENT consultations during the pandemic.