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Review
. 2020 Jun;42(6):1214-1217.
doi: 10.1002/hed.26193. Epub 2020 Apr 28.

Ethical framework for head and neck cancer care impacted by COVID-19

Andrew G Shuman  1   2 , Bruce H Campbell  3   4 ; AHNS Ethics & Professionalism Service
Affiliations
Review

Ethical framework for head and neck cancer care impacted by COVID-19

Andrew G Shuman et al. Head Neck. 2020 Jun.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended head and neck cancer care delivery in ways unforeseen and unprecedented. The impact of these changes parallels other fields in oncology, but is disproportionate due to protective measures and limitations on potentially aerosolizing procedures and related interventions specific to the upper aerodigestive tract. The moral and professional dimensions of providing ethically appropriate and consistent care for our patients in the COVID-19 crisis are considered herein for head and neck oncology providers.

Keywords: COVID-19; cancer ethics; head and neck cancer; professional duty to treat; public health ethics.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared no conflict of interest or funding sources.

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