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Impending Backlog of Cleft Palate Patients Due to COVID-19

Jacob J Wood1, Garrick Gu1, Robert D Guber2

  • 1Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, US.

Annals of Global Health
|January 28, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted surgical care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), exacerbating existing deficits. This is particularly concerning for children with cleft palate, whose time-sensitive treatment is delayed, leading to significant physical and psychosocial consequences.

Area of Science:

  • Global Health
  • Surgical Care
  • Public Health Emergencies

Background:

  • COVID-19 has strained global healthcare systems, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) facing significant challenges due to resource limitations.
  • The pandemic has led to reduced surgical volumes and humanitarian aid missions in LMICs, worsening a pre-existing unmet surgical need.
  • Existing surgical capacity deficits in LMICs have been amplified by the pandemic, creating a substantial backlog of patients requiring care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the profound and lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical care delivery in LMICs.
  • To draw attention to the specific challenges faced by patients with cleft palate deformities in LMICs due to delayed surgical interventions.
  • To underscore the growing backlog of surgical patients in LMICs and the difficulties in addressing it post-pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a qualitative analysis and review of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical services in LMICs.
  • The authors synthesize existing literature and expert observations on resource redistribution and its consequences.
  • Focus is placed on the implications for time-sensitive procedures, particularly cleft palate repair.

Main Results:

  • Healthcare systems in LMICs have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic compared to high-income countries.
  • Significant reductions in surgical procedures and humanitarian surgical missions have been observed.
  • Delays in cleft palate surgery can lead to severe physical and psychosocial issues for affected children.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has created a critical situation for surgical care in LMICs, with long-term consequences for patient outcomes.
  • Addressing the backlog of surgical patients, especially those with cleft palate, requires urgent attention and resource allocation.
  • Sustained global investment and strategic planning are essential to rebuild and strengthen surgical capacity in LMICs post-pandemic.

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