Impact of COVID-19 pandemic first wave on the functioning of department of otorhinolaryngology at a tertiary care teaching hospital: a retrospective study

Abstract

<p><strong>Background</strong>: COVID-19 (First wave) pandemic cause significant disruptions in social, economic even medical fields in our country. So, the aim of this study to find impact of COVID-19 pandemic (First wave) in functioning of department of otorhinolaryngology at a tertiary care hospital.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: Statistics of out-patients and In-patients attending otorhinolaryngology department during pre COVID period (April 1 2019-March 31 2020) and COVID (First wave) period (April 1 2020-March 31 2021) was collected from MRD, OT records and such other departmental sources. Then statistics of inpatients were collected from OT and IP registers and academic activities were collected from academic session</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> There is statistically high significant difference out-patients and in-patients attending ORL department during pre-COVID and COVID period. There is statistically high significant difference in regular and emergency ORL surgeries, theory classes and clinical postings conducted for under graduates, case Presentations and journal clubs conducted for post graduate residents during pre-COVID and COVID period.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> There was a marked reduction in number of out-patients, in-patients, and surgical procedures done. In CRHS training, they missed the opportunity as primary care doctor at the department of ORL which would have had long lasting experience dealing with a patient of ORL diseases. Due to non-departmental COVID duties of postgraduates their speciality surgical training period was cut short, one third of their course period was spend in COVID patient care. Under graduates’ academic activities also were affected.<strong></strong></p>