key: cord-0744427-qfpcllt9
authors: Tysome, James R.
title: Improving clinical practice in ENT: Lessons learnt from the COVID‐19 pandemic
date: 2021-02-23
journal: Clin Otolaryngol
DOI: 10.1111/coa.13720
sha: 042c6304fcad82b13e0c182b4c0a36b3f1437cb8
doc_id: 744427
cord_uid: qfpcllt9

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the ENT community has demonstrated strong clinical leadership, adaptability to rapid change, enhanced clinical pathways and local networks, widespread use of digital technology for consultation and teaching and redirection of research programmes. These have permanently changed the way we work and, when the current global pandemic improves as COVID‐19 infections drop and vaccination programmes are rolled out, we should ensure that the positive changes that have been made are embedded in clinical practice to improve patient care.

in the same location. Virtual patient consultations can allow sharing of digital information such as imaging without the patient needing to leave their home, reduced footfall in previously over-crowded outpatient departments.

New teaching and training opportunities have arisen through the use of digital conferencing platforms, replacing traditional teaching programmes and allowing us to reach larger audiences. 6 Entire conferences have successfully moved to virtual participation. These opportunities have the potential to significantly enrich training and teaching in the future.

We have seen many examples of enhanced local system working.

ENT and intensive care teams have needed to work more closely together to manage patients with COVID-19 requiring a tracheostomy. 7 It is important that these closer relationships are maintained in the future for patient benefit. 

NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery

Timing and volume of information produced for the Otolaryngologist during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. A review of the volume of online literature

Admission avoidance in tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess: a prospective national audit during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic

Telemedicine in paediatric otorhinolaryngology: lessons learnt from remote encounters during the COVID19 pandemic and implications for future practice

Telemedicine for ENT: effect on quality of care during COVID-19 pandemic

National, virtual otolaryngology training day in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic: results of a pilot survey

Multidisciplinary guidance for safe tracheostomy care during the COVID-19 pandemic: the NHS National Patient Safety Improvement Programme (NatPatSIP)