Author/Authors :
Spinato, Giacomo Department of Neurosciences - Section of Otolaryngology and Regional Centre for Head and Neck Cancer - University of Padova, Treviso, Italy , Gaudioso, Piergiorgio Department of Neurosciences - Section of Otolaryngology and Regional Centre for Head and Neck Cancer - University of Padova, Treviso, Italy , Boscolo Rizzo, Paolo Department of Neurosciences - Section of Otolaryngology and Regional Centre for Head and Neck Cancer - University of Padova, Treviso, Italy , Fabbris, Cristoforo Otolaryngology Department, Treviso, Italy , Menegaldo, Anna Otolaryngology Department, Treviso, Italy , Mularoni, Francesca Department of Neurosciences - Section of Otolaryngology and Regional Centre for Head and Neck Cancer - University of Padova, Treviso, Italy , Singh, Bhuvanesh Department of Surgery - Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York , Maniaci, Antonino Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy , Cocuzza, Salvatore Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy , Frezza, Daniele Otolaryngology Department, Treviso, Italy
Abstract :
The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV2 has stressed health care systems worldwide. The high volume of patients, combined with an increased need for intensive care and potential transmission, has forced reor-ganization of hospitals and care delivery models. In this article, are presented approaches to minimize risk to Otolaryngologists during their patients infected with COVID-19 care. We performed a narrative literature re-view among PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science electronic databases, searching for studies on SARS-CoV2 and Risk Management. Standard operating procedures have been adapted both for facilities and for health care workers, including the development of well-defined and segregated patient care areas for treating those affected by COVID-19. Personal protective equipment (PPEs) availability and adequate healthcare providers training on their use should be ensured. Preventive measures are especially important in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, as the exposure to saliva suspensions, droplets and aerosols are increased in the upper aero-digestive tract routine examination. Morever, the frequent invasive procedures, such as laryngoscopy, intubation or tracheotomy placement and care, represent a high risk of contracting COVID-19. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Keywords :
COVID-19 , Risk Management , Personal protective equipment , SARS-CoV2 , Head and Neck Surgery
