Guidance for otolaryngology health care workers performing aerosol generating medical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic

59Citations
Citations of this article
254Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a predilection for infecting the mucosa of the upper and lower airways. Otolaryngologists and supporting health care workers (HCWs) are particularly at high risk of becoming infected while treating patients as many in-office procedures and surgeries are Aerosol Generating Medical Procedures (AGMP). Based on a review of the literature and various guidelines, recommendations are made to mitigate the risk to health care workers of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 while providing clinical care. Recommendations: During the COVID-19 pandemic all elective and non-time sensitive Otolaryngology procedures should be deferred to mitigate the risk of transmission of infection to HCWs. For non-AGMPs in all patients, even COVID-19 positive patients Level 1 PPE (surgical mask, gown, gloves and face shield or goggles) is sufficient. If local prevalence is favourable and patients are asymptomatic and test negative for SARS-CoV-2, Level 1 PPE can be used during short duration AGMPs, with limited risk of infected aerosol spread. For AGMPs in patients who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 a minimum of Level 2 PPE, with adequate protection of mucosal surfaces, is recommended (N95/FFP2 respirator, gown, double gloves, goggles or face shield and head cover). For long duration AGMPs that are deemed high-risk in COVID-19 positive patients, Level 3 PPE can provide a higher level of protection and be more comfortable during long duration surgeries if surgical hoods or PAPRs are used. It is recommended that these procedures are performed in negative pressure rooms, if available. It is essential to follow strict donning and doffing protocols to minimize the risk of contamination. Conclusions: By following strict infection prevention recommendations, the risk of HCWs becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 while treating patients can be minimized. As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves rapidly, these recommendations should serve as guidance and need to be interpreted based on local factors and availability of healthcare resources.

References Powered by Scopus

Clinical Characteristics of 138 Hospitalized Patients with 2019 Novel Coronavirus-Infected Pneumonia in Wuhan, China

16953Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Characteristics of and Important Lessons from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak in China: Summary of a Report of 72314 Cases from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention

13287Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Aerosol and surface stability of SARS-CoV-2 as compared with SARS-CoV-1

7050Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Cited by Powered by Scopus

Clinical performance of the point-of-care cobas liat for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in 20 minutes: A multicenter study

72Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Secondary infection with rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis associated with COVID-19

46Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Physiotherapy management for COVID-19 in the acute hospital setting and beyond: an update to clinical practice recommendations

39Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Lammers, M. J. W., Lea, J., Lea, J., & Westerberg, B. D. (2020, June 3). Guidance for otolaryngology health care workers performing aerosol generating medical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. BioMed Central Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40463-020-00429-2

Readers over time

‘20‘21‘22‘23‘2404080120160

Readers' Seniority

Tooltip

PhD / Post grad / Masters / Doc 61

54%

Researcher 29

26%

Lecturer / Post doc 12

11%

Professor / Associate Prof. 11

10%

Readers' Discipline

Tooltip

Medicine and Dentistry 78

67%

Nursing and Health Professions 23

20%

Engineering 8

7%

Agricultural and Biological Sciences 8

7%

Article Metrics

Tooltip
Social Media
Shares, Likes & Comments: 16

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free
0