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Impact of COVID-19 on otolaryngology head & neck speciality and residency program in Saudi Arabia
Thamer M Albilasi1, Yara A Albkiry2, Fareed R AlGhamdi1
1Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Saudi Arabia's otolaryngology departments and residency programs. Strict measures reduced surgical activity, raising concerns about resident skill deterioration.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Education
Background:
- The SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) pandemic led to global health system disruptions.
- Otolaryngologists face high occupational risks due to the viral load in upper respiratory procedures.
- The pandemic necessitated significant changes in healthcare delivery and medical training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on otolaryngology departments in Saudi Arabia.
- To assess the effects on otolaryngology residency programs within the country.
- To identify challenges and potential solutions for training and patient care during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review article.
- It analyzes the effects of pandemic-related restrictions on clinical practice and surgical training.
- Information was gathered on governmental measures and their implications for otolaryngology.
Main Results:
- Saudi Arabia implemented strict measures, including prioritizing emergency cases and rescheduling elective procedures.
- Otolaryngology departments experienced a substantial reduction in surgical activity and endoscopic procedures.
- Residency programs faced decreased resident involvement and concerns about procedural skill deterioration.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted otolaryngology training and patient care in Saudi Arabia.
- Adherence to guidelines and providing opportunities to address skill gaps are crucial.
- Balancing patient safety, healthcare delivery, and resident education is essential during public health crises.
Abstract:
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has rapidly swept worldwide since its identification in December 2019. As the spread of the disease accelerated both in Wuhan and elsewhere globally, the WHO declared it a pandemic. There is sound evidence to argue that otolaryngologists run high risks of occupational SARS-COV2 among health care workers due to high viral load in upper respiratory examinations. This review article was conducted to determine the effect of the COVID 19 pandemic on the otolaryngology department and residency program in Saudi Arabia. Since the pandemic outbreak, the government of Saudi Arabia has taken severe measures and issued several decisions to limit the spread of the virus. These decisions included operations, procedures, outpatient clinics by prioritizing emergency and time-sensitive cases while rescheduling all electives and routines once. As a result, the residency program was also affected by the substantial reduction of daily surgical activity and preventing endoscopic tests in the clinics, which led to a notable decrease in residents' involvement and risk of procedural skills deterioration which became a concern to many doctors of residency programs. It is difficult to deny that the epidemic will negatively impact. However, adhering to well-prepared guidelines and giving residents an excellent opportunity to overcome the defects will deliver training and patients' care while also protecting safety and health.
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