Characteristics of visits from otolaryngological patients before and during three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective study

• Authors: Joanna Cieślik , Jerzy Tomik

Abstracts

EN

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare systems around the world. The rapid spread of the virus caused several restrictions, including limited access to outpatient clinics. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the characteristics and reasons for the visits of otolaryngological patients conducted during the first 3 waves of the COVID-19 pandemic with those of the prepandemic period. Materials and methods: Volume, demographic data, type of visits, additional tests, types of referrals, and reasons for consultation were analyzed. Results: There were 1578 visits performed before the pandemic and, respectively, 434, 1198 and 1299 during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd waves. The patients in the 1st and 2nd waves were older than the patients before the pandemic (median age 59, 56, and 52 years, respectively, for both comparisons p <0.0001). Regarding the type of visit, the vast majority were in-person visits in all groups. The highest percentage of teleconsultations was in the 1st wave and was equal to 3.46%. Before the pandemic, patients were admitted mainly due to upper respiratory system diseases (52.15%), while during the 1st wave the main reasons were tumors (39.86%, malignant and benign tumors comprised 29.26% and 10.6%, respectively). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic, especially the 1st wave, changed the profile of ambulatory patients. In the 1st wave, a higher prevalence of tumor patients and a lower prevalence of patients with diseases of the upper respiratory system was observed. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an increase in number of teleconsultations, but its role was limited.

Keywords

EN

COVID 19; otolaryngology; outpatient; SARS-CoV-2; telehealth

• Publisher: Index Copernicus International
• Journal: Polish Journal of Otolaryngology
• Year: 2023
• Volume: 77
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 37-44

Dates

published

2023

Contributors

author

Joanna Cieślik

• Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
• Department of Otolaryngology and Oncological Surgery of the Head and Neck, 5th Military Hospital with Polyclinic in Krakow, Krakow, Poland

• https://orcid.org/0000000193926803

author

Jerzy Tomik

• Department of ENT, FAculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland

• https://orcid.org/0000000324406497

Identifiers

DOI

10.5604/01.3001.0016.2229

Biblioteka Nauki

58486904