Topic
The impact of COVID-19 on the well-being and mental health of otolaryngologists
Background
In November 2019, a novel respiratory illness, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in Wuhan in the Hubei province of China. Since that time, COVID-19 has spread rapidly around the world and has been designated as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19 has many presentations ranging from asymptomatic to lethal disease. This pandemic has reshaped society on so many levels, but nowhere is this truer than for the lives of healthcare workers.
Otolaryngologists face unique short and long term stresses based on aspects specific to the transmission of this disease. Secretions of the nasopharynx and oropharynx have a particularly high viral load. Given that otolaryngologists work directly in this region regularly, the risks of contracting COVID-19 are particularly high. It has been noted that in the early days of this pandemic otolaryngologists were becoming infected and dying at a higher rate than most other medical specialists. In addition to anxiety directly related to potential infection with the virus, the pandemic state has led to dramatic changes in daily routines for residents and faculty alike. Both groups have seen significant reduction in the ability to perform routine clinical evaluations and surgical procedures and many have been redeployed to unfamiliar duties. Concerns regarding safety to self, friends, family, colleagues, and patients are now standard.
Purpose
Although the COVID-19 pandemic state is expected to regress in time, this experience has likely led to both acute and chronic stress and anxiety among otolaryngologists. The goal of this study is to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and well-being in otolaryngologists. Ultimately, results of this study will allow for a better understanding of these impacts in order to direct intervention.
Objectives
Characterize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of otolaryngology faculty and residents.
Compare the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic between groups to identify variations in risk.
Survey Methods
The survey is being distributed to program directors and chairs of otolaryngology departments across the United States for potential distribution to residents, fellows, faculty, and advanced practice providers. Additionally this survey is available via a direct links on the official SIU Department of Otolaryngology Twitter and Facebook pages to include private practice faculty and APPs.
This survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Thank you for your interest in our survey and for all you are doing during this time!
If there are questions about this study please contact:
Dana L Crosby, MD, MPH and Arun Sharma, MD, MS
dcrosby53@siumed.edu or asharma74@siumed.edu
Associate Professors
Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine