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Otorhinolaryngology in the COVID-19 era: Are there significant differences between hospital-based and private
Anasuya Guha1, Jan Plzak2, Petr Schalek1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Charles University, 3rd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic.
Insights
A survey of Czech otorhinolaryngologists revealed no significant differences in personal protective equipment availability between hospital and private practices. However, private practices reported greater financial vulnerability and other challenges impacting patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted healthcare practices globally.
- Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) and head and neck surgery practices faced unique challenges.
- Existing studies have not adequately addressed the practical issues encountered by different types of ENT practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and compare the challenges faced by hospital-based versus private ENT practices in the Czech Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To evaluate differences in the preparation and availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) between these practice types.
- To assess the financial and operational impacts of the pandemic on ENT practices.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, questionnaire-based study was conducted.
- An online survey was distributed to members of the Czech Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery.
- Statistical analyses, including the Mann-Whitney U test, were used to compare practices.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in PPE availability were found between hospital and private practices.
- Individual analyses indicated variations in outcomes between the two practice types.
- The study analyzed completed questionnaires from ENT doctors in the Czech Republic.
Conclusions:
- While statistically similar in PPE, private practices reported greater financial deficits and vulnerability.
- Both practice types reported issues that could compromise patient care and workplace functioning.
- The findings highlight the need for targeted support for private ENT practices during health crises.
Objectives:
The COVID-19 disease has an incredible impact on both hospital-based and private practices in the field of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery. Practical issues faced by both types of practices have not been well addressed in most studies. A national survey was conducted in April 2020 to identify the challenges faced by otorhinolaryngologists practicing in the Czech Republic.
Design:
Prospective questionnaire-based study SETTING: Online Google questionnaire sent to the members of the Czech Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery PARTICIPANTS: All doctors practicing Otorhinolaryngology in the Czech Republic with access to the online questionnaire between 15th and 26th April 2020.
Main Outcome Measures:
The primary aims of the study were to evaluate any significant differences between the two types of practice in the field of Otorhinolaryngology. We formulated null hypotheses stating there were no statistical differences in the preparation and availability of personal protective equipment amongst both practices a month after the first case of COVID-19 in the Czech Republic. Statistical analyses including the Mann-Whitney U test were performed to test the hypotheses.
Results:
Analysis and results were based on the completion of the entire questionnaire by the doctors. There were no statistically significant differences between both the practices; however, individual analyses of both the practices showed a different outcome.
Conclusion:
Despite our statistical results, it was observed that private practices faced more deficits and were more financially vulnerable. They were also other issues reported by both practices that could compromise the care of patients, functioning of workplaces and support of doctors.
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