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. 2020 Jun;42(6):1308-1309.
doi: 10.1002/hed.26174. Epub 2020 Apr 22.

Head and neck virtual medicine in a pandemic era: Lessons from COVID-19

Aman Prasad  1 , Ryan M Carey  2 , Karthik Rajasekaran  2
Affiliations

Head and neck virtual medicine in a pandemic era: Lessons from COVID-19

Aman Prasad et al. Head Neck. 2020 Jun.

Abstract

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has presented the world and physicians with a unique public health challenge. In light of its high transmissibility and large burden on the health care system, many hospitals and practices have opted to cancel elective surgeries in order to mobilize resources, ration personal protective equipment and guard patients from the virus. Head and neck cancer physicians are particularly affected by these changes given their scope of practice, complex patient population, and interventional focus. In this viewpoint, we discuss some of the many challenges faced by head and neck surgeons in this climate. Additionally, we outline the utility of telemedicine as a potential strategy for allowing physicians to maintain an effective continuum of care.

Keywords: COVID-19; head and neck oncology; health systems; patient-physician communication; telemedicine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

References

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