Safe practice guidance: a review for otorhinolaryngologists during COVID-19 pandemic and after reopen process

Abstract

COVID-19’s rapid sweep across the world has caused an extraordinary disruption to the otorhinolaryngology (ORL) profession and its subspecialties including the rhinology section. The present pandemic forced our specialty practitioners to make quick clinical and practice management decisions. Staff safety must receive the highest prioritization along with strategies to provide the highest quality care. The purpose of the present manuscript is to provide a narrative review of the current knowledge and committee practices regarding ORL (including rhinology) professionals' safe practice during COVID-19 pandemic and after reopen process. The present review findings will allow the clinical practitioners to understand the factors involved in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the ORL and rhinology settings, personal protective equipment (PPE) for different ORL and rhinology practices and criteria of practice in outpatient clinic (OPC), emergency operations and ORL surgeries. The emerging evidence based on COVID-19 is rapidly changing. Further updates may be needed to this review as new details or evidence emerge. ORL including rhinology doctors should consider the specific conditions of each individual place of work and comply with all applicable legislations.