The UK national registry of ENT surgeons with coronavirus disease 2019: one year on

Abstract

Objectives To report the one-year findings of the UK national registry of ENT surgeons with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019, and the results of a survey on the coronavirus disease 2019 experience of UK ENT trainees. Method An online registry was created in April 2020. A separate survey was circulated electronically to all members of the Association of Otolaryngologists in Training. Results The registry recorded 98 clinicians with confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease 2019. The majority of infections were reported in the first wave of spring 2020. Two ENT surgeons were hospitalised and one died. The majority suspected workplace exposure, with a significant proportion attributing this to a lack of personal protective equipment at a time before formal guidance had been introduced. Of the ENT trainees surveyed, almost one-third believed that they had contracted coronavirus disease 2019. Conclusion This highlights the importance of ongoing risk-reduction measures, including optimal personal protective equipment and vaccination.