The UK national registry of ENT surgeons with coronavirus disease 2019: one year on

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Occupational Health

Background:

• The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally.
• Healthcare professionals, including Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeons, were at the forefront of patient care, facing potential occupational exposure.
• Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on ENT surgeons and trainees is vital for implementing effective safety protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the one-year incidence of COVID-19 among UK ENT surgeons registered nationally.
• To assess the experiences and perceived risks of COVID-19 among UK ENT trainees through a dedicated survey.

Main Methods:

• An online national registry was established in April 2020 to track ENT surgeons with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• A separate electronic survey was distributed to all members of the Association of Otolaryngologists in Training.

Main Results:

• The registry identified 98 ENT clinicians with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, with most infections occurring during the initial wave in Spring 2020.
• Two ENT surgeons required hospitalization, and one tragically died.
• A significant proportion of infections were attributed to suspected workplace exposure, often linked to inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) before formal guidance was issued.
• Nearly one-third of surveyed ENT trainees reported contracting COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• The findings underscore the substantial occupational risks faced by ENT surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The study highlights the critical need for robust risk-reduction strategies, emphasizing optimal personal protective equipment (PPE) and widespread vaccination to safeguard healthcare workers.