Clinical practices of otolaryngologists in Chile during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Otolaryngologists have significantly higher risk of COVID-19 infection due to the nature of the specialty. Given the above, various scientific societies worldwide called to prioritize clinical care. Aim: Evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the clinical and surgical practice of otolaryngologists in Chile, alongside with the economic impact at the beginning of the pandemic. Material and Method: Cross-sectional study with an online self-administered questionnaire to members of the Chilean Society of Otorhinolaryngology. Results: From a total of 461 members, 214 responses were obtained (46.4%); Sixty six percent in the public service and fifty seven percent in the private system reported a decrease in ambulatory consultation activity by > 75% or only emergency care. Ninety two percent in the public service and ninety six percent in the private system reported a reduction in surgical activity by > 75% or only oncology/emergency care. The prevalence of self-report infection with positive PCR for SARS-CoV-2 was 5.1%. Regarding the economic impact, 63% had a decrease of at least half of their income and 36.9% had to resort to some financial aid. Conclusion: During the pandemic, there was a great impact at the national level in the otolaryngological clinical practice, both in the outpatient consultation and in surgical procedures, as well as in the economic sphere. These findings were similar with studies in other countries.