The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has specific implications for oral and maxillofacial surgeons due to an increased risk of exposure to the virus during surgical procedures of the aero-digestive tract. The objective of this survey was to evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic affected oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) training programs during the early phase of the pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional survey was sent to the program directors of 95 out of the 101 accredited OMFS training programs between April 3 rd and May 6 th , 2020. The 35- question survey designed using Qualtrics software, to elicit information about the impact of COVID-19 on OMFS residency programs and the specific modifications made to clinical care, PPE and resident training/wellness to meet the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results The survey response rate from OMFS program directors was 35% (33/95) with most responses from states with high incidence of COVID19. All OMFS programs (100%) implemented guidelines to suspend elective and non-urgent surgical procedures and limited ambulatory clinic visits by third week of March, with an average date of March 16 th , 2020 (Date range March 8 th -23 rd ). Programs used telemedicine (40%) and modified in-person visit (51%) protocols for dental and maxillofacial emergency triage to minimize exposure risk of HCP to SARS CoV2. PPE shortage was experienced by 51% of the programs. Almost two-thirds (63%) of the respondents recommended the use of a filtered respirator (i.e., N95 respirator) with full face shield as their preferred PPE, while 21% recommended Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) during OMFS procedures. Only (73%) of the programs had resources for resident wellness and stress reduction. Virtual didactic training sessions conducted on digital platforms, most commonly “Zoom” formed a major part of education for all programs. Conclusion All programs promptly responded to the pandemic by making appropriate changes to suspend elective surgery and, to limit patient care to emergent and urgent services. OMFS training programs should give more consideration to provide residents with adequate stress reduction resources to maintain their wellbeing and training to minimize exposure risk during an evolving global epidemic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, major challenges are facing pediatric cancer centers regarding access to cancer centers, continuity of the anti-cancer therapy, hospital admission, and infection protection precautions. Pediatric oncologists actively treating children with cancer from 29 cancer centers at 11 countries were asked to answer a survey from May 2020 to August 2020 either directly or through the internet. COVID-19 pandemic affected the access to pediatric cancer care in the form of difficulty in reaching the center in 22 (75.9%) centers and affection of patients' flow in 21 (72.4%) centers. Health care professionals (HCP) were infected with COVID-19 in 20 (69%) surveyed centers. Eighteen centers (62%) modified the treatment guidelines. Care of follow-up patients was provided in-hospital in 8(27.6%) centers, through telemedicine in 10 (34.5%) centers, and just delayed in 11 (38%) centers. Pediatric oncologists had different expectations about the future effects of COVID-19 on pediatric cancer care. Seventy-six percent of pediatric oncologists think the COVID-19 pandemic will increase the use of telemedicine. Fifty-five percent of pediatric oncologists think if the COVID-19 pandemic persists, we will need to change chemotherapy protocols to less myelosuppressive ones. Collaborative studies are required to prioritize pediatric cancer management during COVID-19 era.
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