Abstract
This study sought to determine the conditions that still present to ENT despite government advice to avoid unnecessary travel. It also assessed the impact of social distancing on pathologies presenting to ENT and reviewed the usefulness of telephone consultations in semi-urgent presentations. A retrospective review was conducted of 97 instances of patient care carried out in the rapid access ENT clinic at a large district general hospital. Otitis externa and foreign bodies represented 25 per cent and 13 per cent of consultations respectively. Tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess were uncommon, representing 6 per cent of total consultations. Telephone appointments represented only 28 per cent of total consultations; however, they appeared to reduce the number of physical appointments required. Otitis externa and foreign bodies continue to be common during the pandemic. Social distancing measures reduced the number of tonsillitis and quinsy presentations. Telephone consultations are effective for certain urgent presentations to ENT, most noticeably nasal trauma and follow up of non-serious pathologies.
Highlights
The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak has been declared an international pandemic
It is thought that Covid-19 is spread via respiratory droplets, necessitating the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when assessing and managing suspected cases.[1]
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, a rapid access triage clinic was run by the junior ENT doctor via a ‘bleep’ referral system
Summary
The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak has been declared an international pandemic. It is thought that Covid-19 is spread via respiratory droplets, necessitating the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when assessing and managing suspected cases.[1] The nature of ENT examinations may put practitioners at high risk of transmission,[2] and this has led ENT UK to release specific guidelines.[3] Where possible, face-to-face consultations are minimised and telephone consultations are used. Where this cannot be achieved, appropriate PPE is essential.[4]. We discuss the patients who require repeat consultations, despite the transmission risk associated with multiple attendances
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
