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. 2020 Jul;42(7):1448-1453.
doi: 10.1002/hed.26233. Epub 2020 Jun 11.

Changes in head and neck oncologic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic

Robert M Brody  1 , William Greer Albergotti  2 , David Shimunov  1 , Elizabeth Nicolli  3 , Urjeet A Patel  4 , Brianna N Harris  5 , Andrés M Bur  6
Affiliations

Changes in head and neck oncologic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic

Robert M Brody et al. Head Neck. 2020 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has raised controversies regarding safe and effective care of patients with head and neck cancer. It is unknown how much the pandemic has changed surgeon practice.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to head and neck surgeons assessing opinions related to treatment and concerns for the safety of patients, self, family, and staff.

Results: A total of 88 head and neck surgeons responded during the study period. Surgeons continued to recommend primary surgical treatment for oral cavity cancers. Respondents were more likely to consider nonsurgical therapy for patients with early glottic cancers and HPV-mediated oropharynx cancer. Surgeons were least likely to be concerned for their own health and safety and had the greatest concern for their resident trainees.

Conclusions: This study highlights differences in the willingness of head and neck surgeons to delay surgery or alter plans during times when hospital resources are scarce and risk is high.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus; head and neck cancer; treatment delays; wellness.

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Conflict of interest statement

This work has never been published or presented anywhere. The authors have no financial or industry relationships to disclose. There are no sources of funding to disclose.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Changes in management from primary surgical to nonsurgical management based upon concerns during the COVID‐19 pandemic [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Maximal time that a surgical would be willing to delay surgery from normal practice in the setting of the COVID‐19 pandemic [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Concerns related to complications during treatment [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Concerns related to health and safety of self, family, and staff during COVID‐19 pandemic [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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