Non-attendance at an out-patient otolaryngology and head and neck clinic in New Zealand: impact of coronavirus disease 2019, and demographic, clinical and environmental factors

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
O Ahmadi ◽  
W Maher ◽  
J White
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Surgery ◽  
Attendance Rate ◽  
Clinic Attendance ◽  
Appointment Attendance ◽  
Clinic Appointment ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Fear of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 may be the latest addition to the barriers to clinic attendance. This study aimed to examine the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 and other variables on non-attendance rate at an out-patient clinic. Methods Clinic attendance at the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Waikato Hospital, New Zealand, was assessed. For each appointment, the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 and other variables on non-attendance rate were analysed. Results In total, 1963 appointments were scheduled, with 194 non-attendances (9.9 per cent). Patients who had their appointments confirmed beforehand were 10.0 times more likely to attend their appointment. Sex, socioeconomic status, ethnicity and age were found to impact non-attendance rate. Conclusion In New Zealand, coronavirus disease 2019 does not appear to be a barrier to out-patient clinic appointment attendance. The patient's age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and prior appointment confirmation were found to influence clinic attendance.

scholarly journals Impacts of Environmental Factors on Head and Neck Cancer Pathogenesis and Progression

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 389
Author(s):  
Marisol Miranda-Galvis ◽  
Reid Loveless ◽  
Luiz Paulo Kowalski ◽  
Yong Teng
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Metastatic Cancer ◽  
Environmental Drivers ◽  
Cancer Pathogenesis ◽  
Gene Environment ◽  
The Impact

Epidemiological and clinical studies over the past two decades have provided strong evidence that genetic elements interacting with environmental components can individually and collectively influence one’s susceptibility to cancer. In addition to tumorigenic properties, numerous environmental factors, such as nutrition, chemical carcinogens, and tobacco/alcohol consumption, possess pro-invasive and pro-metastatic cancer features. In contrast to traditional cancer treatment, modern therapeutics not only take into account an individual’s genetic makeup but also consider gene–environment interactions. The current review sharpens the focus by elaborating on the impact that environmental factors have on the pathogenesis and progression of head and neck cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. Recent advances, challenges, and future perspectives in this area of research are also discussed. Inhibiting key environmental drivers of tumor progression should yield survival benefits for patients at any stage of head and neck cancer.

scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Head and Neck Surgery Training: A Brazilian National Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Kober Leite ◽  
Leandro Luongo Matos ◽  
Claudio R. Cernea ◽  
Luiz Paulo Kowalski
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Surgical Training ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Neck Surgery ◽  
Head And Neck Surgery ◽  
Educational Activities ◽  
Residency Programs ◽  
Surgery Training ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had a high impact on surgical training around the world due to required measures regarding the suspension of elective procedures and the dismissal of nonessential personnel. Objectives To understand the impact the pandemic had on head and neck surgery training in Brazil. Methods We conducted a 29-question online survey with head and neck surgery residents in Brazil, assessing the impact the pandemic had on their training. Results Forty-six residents responded to the survey, and 91.3% of them reported that their residency was affected by the pandemic, but most residents were not assigned to work directly with patients infected with the new coronavirus (71.4%). All residents reported decrease in clinic visits and in surgical procedures, mostly an important reduction of ∼ 75%. A total of 56.5% of the residents described that the pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental, health and only 4 (8.7%) do not have any symptoms of burnout. The majority (78.3%) of the residents reported that educational activities were successfully adapted to online platforms, and 37% were personally infected with the virus. Conclusion Most surgical residencies were greatly affected by the pandemic, and residents had an important decrease in surgical training. Educational activities were successfully adapted to online modalities, but the residency programs should search for ways of trying to compensate for the loss of practical activities.

scholarly journals Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Activity of Physicians Working in the Areas of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (03) ◽  
pp. e258-e266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Paulo Kowalski ◽  
Rui Imamura ◽  
Gilberto de Castro Junior ◽  
Gustavo Nader Marta ◽  
Aline Lauda Freitas Chaves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Acute Infection ◽  
Neck Region ◽  
Neck Surgery ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Head And Neck Region ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infection caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and it is highly transmissible, especially through respiratory droplets. To prepare the health system for the care of these patients also led to a restriction in the activity of several medical specialties. Physicians who work with patients affected by diseases of the head and neck region constitute one of the populations most vulnerable to COVID-19 and also most affected by the interruption of their professional activities. Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of head and neck surgeons and otorhinolaryngologists in Brazil. Methods An anonymous online survey of voluntary participation was applied, containing 30 questions regarding demographic aspects, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), and impact on the routine of head and neck surgeons and otorhinolaryngologists, as well as clinical oncologists and radiation oncologists who work with head and neck diseases. Results Seven hundred and twenty-nine answers were received in a period of 4 days, ∼ 40 days after the 1st confirmed case in Brazil. With professionals working in public and private services, there was a high level of concerns with the disease and its consequences, limited availability of PPE and a significant decrease in the volume of specialized medical care. Conclusion The study demonstrated a direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice of specialties related to the treatment of patients with diseases of the head and neck region already in the beginning of the illness management in Brazil.

scholarly journals Impact of economic crisis on indications for general versus local anaesthesia in head and neck surgery: a single centre analysis

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
Tatjana Goranovic ◽  
Boris Simunjak ◽  
Dinko Tonkovic ◽  
Miran Martinac
Keyword(s):  
Cost Saving ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
General Anaesthesia ◽  
Local Anaesthesia ◽  
Neck Surgery ◽  
Head And Neck Surgery ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Saving Measure ◽  
The Impact

Objective: To analyze the impact of the hospital board’s cost saving measure on physicians’ decision to indicate head and neck surgery according to the type of anaesthesia (general versus local). Methods: Design: a retrospective analysis of medical charts on head and neck surgery and anaesthesia covering 2011-2012. Setting: department of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery, university hospital, Croatia. Participants: patients undergoing head and neck surgery. Intervention(s): reduction of departmental financial fund for general anaesthesia for 10%. Main Outcome Measure(s): an overall of number of head and neck surgeries performed in general versus local anaesthesia before and after the implementation of the intervention measure. Results: There were a total of 984 head and neck surgeries in general anaesthesia in 2011 and 861 in 2012. There were a total of 460 head and neck surgeries in local anaesthesia in 2011 and 528 in 2012. The performance of head and neck surgeries in general anaesthesia was significantly reduced in a year after the implementation of the intervention (p = .01) There was no statistical significant difference in the performance of head and neck surgeries in local anaesthesia before and after the intervention. Conclusions: The reduction of departmental fund for general anaesthesia as a cost saving method resulted only in reducing the total performance of surgeries in general anaesthesia without any switch to performing surgeries in local anaesthesia. It seems that the hospital board’s cost saving measure did not have any impact on physicians’ decisions to indicate more surgeries in local anaesthesia. 

Use of standardized letters of recommendation for otolaryngology head and neck surgery residency and the impact of gender

2017 ◽  
Vol 127 (12) ◽  
pp. 2738-2745 ◽  
Author(s):  
Remy Friedman ◽  
Christina H. Fang ◽  
Johann Hasbun ◽  
Helen Han ◽  
Leila J. Mady ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Surgery ◽  
Head And Neck Surgery ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Letters Of Recommendation

Assessing the Practice Characteristics of Otolaryngology Same-Day Appointments in an Academic Center

2020 ◽  
pp. 019459982094249
Author(s):  
Katie Geelan-Hansen ◽  
Vega Were ◽  
Kleve Granger ◽  
Dwight Jones
Keyword(s):  
Access To Care ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Surgery ◽  
Appointment Scheduling ◽  
Head And Neck Surgery ◽  
Urgent Care ◽  
Practice Characteristics ◽  
Academic Center ◽  
Day Clinic ◽  
The Impact

Objectives to Examine the practice characteristics of same-day clinic appointments and the use of same-day appointment scheduling to provide access to care in an otolaryngology–head and neck surgery clinic. Methods Retrospective chart review of same-day clinic appointments from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018, in patients aged >19 years at a single academic center. Demographic data, diagnoses, procedures completed, and operations completed were analyzed. Results There were 2696 visits by 2324 patients during the 3-year study period. More men than women (57% vs 43%) made same-day appointments. The mean age was 50.7 years (range, 19-99 years). Sinonasal and otologic diagnoses were the most frequently coded. A total of 1452 procedures were completed on the day of the visit, and 239 operations were completed as a result of the visit. Overall, a broad spectrum of otolaryngology care was delivered within the organizational new patient access goals. Discussion Access to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery care can be challenging. Many patients will seek care when they feel they need it, and patient conditions can change unexpectedly. Offering same-day scheduling can allow patients timely health care and appropriate care. Implications for Practice Same-day appointment scheduling can provide access to care and urgent care for patients. The department of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery has been able to maintain a high rate of providing new patient appointments within 10 days with this method. Further considerations for the impact of same-day scheduling on no-show rates and patient satisfaction can be evaluated.

scholarly journals Impact of marginalization on tobacco use in individuals diagnosed with head and neck Cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Margaret Scott ◽  
Corliss Best ◽  
Kevin Fung ◽  
Michael Gupta ◽  
Doron D. Sommer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Nicotine Dependence ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Considerable evidence now indicates that individuals living in underprivileged neighbourhoods have higher rates of mortality and morbidity independent of individual-level characteristics. This study explored the impact of geographical marginalization on smoking cessation in a population of individuals with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer. The aims of this study were twofold: (1) assess the prevalence of smoking cessation in those with a previous diagnosis of head and neck cancer, (2) analyze the determinants of smoking alongside area-based measures of socioeconomic status. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. We administered a self-reported nicotine dependence package to participants between the ages of 20–90 with a previous mucosal head and neck cancer diagnosis and with a history of tobacco use. Using the Canadian Marginalization (CAN-Marg) Index tool based on 2006 Canada Census data we compared the degree of marginalization to the smoking status. For those individuals who were currently smoking, nicotine dependence and readiness to quit were assessed. A summative score of marginalization was compared to smoking status of individuals. Results The results from this study indicate that the summative level of marginalization developed from the combined factors of residential instability, material deprivation, ethnic concentration and dependency may be important factors in smoking cessation. Conclusions This analysis of determinants of smoking alongside area-based measures of socioeconomic status may implicate the need for targeted population-based smoking cessation interventions.

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