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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physicians Working in the Head and Neck Field
Rui Imamura1, Ricardo F Bento1, Leandro L Matos2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced head and neck medical practices in Brazil, impacting outpatient care, surgeries, and physician income. Safety concerns continue to affect the resumption of elective procedures.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused a substantial decline in clinical practices for head and neck specialists in Brazil.
- The long-term effects of the pandemic on this medical field remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice of head and neck physicians in Brazil.
- To understand the extent of practice reduction and its consequences on healthcare providers.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous online survey was administered to Brazilian otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, and oncologists.
- The survey collected data on clinical practice changes during the third to fourth months of the pandemic.
Main Results:
- 446 specialists responded, with ~40% reporting >75% reduction in outpatient care.
- 50% experienced 90-100% reduction in airway endoscopies; 80% reported similar reductions in pediatric or nasosinusal surgeries.
- Physicians faced significant income loss (~50%), considerable psychological burden, and limited personal protective equipment, especially in public healthcare.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 continues to severely impact head and neck medical services in Brazil.
- Safety concerns and limited resources impede the timely resumption of elective procedures in the field.
Abstract:
Background With the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical practice of physicians who work in the head and neck field in Brazil dropped dramatically. The sustained impact of the pandemic is not known. Methods An anonymous online survey was distributed to Brazilian otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, asking about their clinical practice in the third to fourth months of the pandemic. Results The survey was completed by 446 specialists. About 40% reported reduction of more than 75% in outpatient care. A reduction of 90% to 100% in airway endoscopies was reported by 50% of the responders, and the same rate of reduction regarding surgeries (pediatric or nasosinusal) was reported by 80% of them. Family income decreased by 50%, and the psychological burden on physicians was considerable. The availability of personal protective equipment and safety precautions were limited, especially in the public sector. Conclusion COVID-19 is still impacting the head and neck field, and safety concerns may hinder the prompt resumption of elective care.
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