Service Implementation by Phoniatricians during a Pandemic Emergency: A Questionnaire-based Survey

Abstract

Objective: Providing a risk-assessment framework that guides Phoniatric clinical services delivery and also identify patients for whom these services should be prioritized during pandemics.Design: Cross-sectional study.Settings: A questionnaire-based survey was designed and directed to the phoniatricians based on their professional experience, work environment, and institutional resources. It was distributed online through various Phoniatric societies during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire included grading of Phoniatric clinical services, methods of service delivery, triaging of patients/complaints according to morbidity, and demographic characteristics.Main outcome measures: Recognition of the high acuity Phoniatric clinical services that should be delivered during pandemics as well as triaging the patient/complaint according to morbidity.Results: The majority of Phoniatric clinical services are considered low acuity services except for the voice and swallowing disorders diagnostics. High acuity services include newborn hearing screening and rehabilitative services of swallowing disorders.Conclusion: Most phoniatric services can be safely postponed during pandemics except for voice and swallowing disorders diagnostics and treatments. Consideration of tele-practice during pandemics.