Ear, Nose, and Throat Practice Guidelines: An Update for COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic poses significant risks to healthcare professionals, particularly Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists due to aerosol-generating procedures.
• Increased daily cases in India have strained healthcare systems and highlighted the need for specialized safety protocols in ENT practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing literature on managing ENT practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To propose feasible and practical strategies and recommendations for ENT practitioners to ensure safe clinical operations.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review focusing on ENT practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Selection of practical and sustainable protocols for routine clinical adoption by ENT doctors and surgeons.

Main Results:

• Emphasis on adequate precautions and high-level personal protective equipment (PPE) for all ENT practitioners.
• Promotion of teleconsultation to minimize direct patient-provider exposure.
• Guidelines for managing both emergency and elective surgeries, with endoscopy identified as a safe examination tool.

Conclusions:

• Otorhinolaryngologists must implement stringent safety measures during outpatient consultations, surgeries, and emergency care.
• Adherence to recommended protocols is crucial for protecting patients, healthcare providers, and staff from COVID-19 transmission.
• Proactive adoption of safety strategies is essential for the continuity of ENT services amidst the ongoing pandemic.