Abstract
The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has widespread implications for clinical practice of otolaryngologists in clinics and hospitals. With various reports of otolaryngology practitioners catching infection, a profound structural reorganization of ENT services in the clinic is mandatory for protecting both patients and healthcare workers. The present study focused on quantifying the cost involved in reorganizing the otolaryngology out-patient services in a third world country during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Though the pandemic has increased the cost of running of an otolaryngology practice world over, the impact is huge in India as penetration of health insurance/social security is minimal. As out of pocket expenditure forms a significant proportion of healthcare spending by majority in India, any transfer of additional cost incurred because of Covid-19 pandemic to the patient will burn a bigger hole in their pocket.
Highlights
The pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), known as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has drastically changed the health care systems across the world [1]
The present study focused on quantifying the cost involved in reorganizing the otolaryngology out-patient services in a third world country during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic
We describe the economics of reorganization of ENT outpatient clinic during this pandemic in a low- and middle-income country
Summary
The pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), known as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has drastically changed the health care systems across the world [1]. The high viral load in area of the nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx makes examining and performing otolaryngology Out-patient procedures as high-risk for COVID-19 transmission [5]. Though there are recommendations for deferring some of the procedures, unless absolutely necessary, the out-patient or day care needs of the patients have to be addressed especially in a country like India where the doctor-patient ratio is skewed. This has the potential of putting a lot of pressure on the healthcare delivery process [6]. We describe the economics of reorganization of ENT outpatient clinic during this pandemic in a low- and middle-income country
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