Using telemedicine to facilitate social distancing in otolaryngology: A systematic review

As the coronavirus 2019 pandemic puts strains on current models of otolaryngology practice, telemedicine is an attractive way for otolaryngologists to reduce in-person appointments while still addressing the health of their patients. This systematic review of the literature aims to identify the evidence basis for using telemedicine in otolaryngology practice to limit person-to-person interactions while achieving comparable quality to in-person services.

The authors gathered articles from three databases (Embase, PubMed and Web of Science), performed a comprehensive literature review of articles published on telemedicine since 2002, and selected articles for inclusion based on their relevance to otolaryngology and the potential of the intervention to improve patient social distancing.

A total of 7153 articles were identified from the initial query. After review, 35 met the inclusion criteria. Of the included articles, 32 (91%), found their specific telemedicine intervention to be effective when compared to in-person services. Twenty articles (57%) were related to remote otoscopy. Other telemedical interventions included videoconferencing for peri-operative visits, diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess, telephone-based voice evaluations and evaluation of nasal fractures.

Video-otoscopy is the most well-supported telemedical intervention which limits physical contact between otolaryngologists and their patients. Other interventions have also demonstrated efficacy but have yet to be as widely validated as video-otoscopy. Telehealth facilitators play a key role in providing high-quality telehealth services. More invasive procedures, such as laryngoscopy, require further evidence to demonstrate definite benefits in a telemedicine setting.