Continuation of telemedicine in otolaryngology post-COVID-19: Applications by subspecialty

Pediatric otolaryngology telemedicine amid a pandemic – And beyond

“…A plethora of articles, mostly reviews, have been published since the start of the pandemic on the implementation and great success and satisfaction of telemedicine in many different medical specialties globally [ [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] ] [ [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] ] [ [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] ]. More specifically, the literature has expanded on the implementation and satisfaction in otolaryngology telemedicine [ 6 , 16 ] [ [6] , [16] , [17] , [18] ] [ [6] , [16] , [17] , [18] ]. A systematic review by Moentmann et al found that out of 35 articles that met inclusion, 32 (91.4%) of them had an effective telemedicine platform, compared to in-person appointments [ 19 ].…”

Clinical signs, telemedicine and online consultations in head and neck diseases during the SARS CoV-2 pandemic: an Italian experience

“…Alternatives within TM include increased use of radiological investigations for sinus disease and laryngeal pathology, with limitations for small mucosal lesions. Other alternatives described are voice recordings and speech analysis systems for speech pathology, although access to these investigations is still limited 9 , 18 . However, some authors have pointed out that the exclusive use of radiologic investigations for diagnosis is a deviation from the standard of care and may have medicolegal implications 14 .…”

Eligibility for live, interactive otolaryngology telemedicine: 19-Month experience before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan

“…The major barrier to telemedicine for surgical subspecialties is the procedural component of the physical examination; this was considered when we expanded our otolaryngology telemedicine service. Innovative devices that aid in the remote detection and capture of otologic pathology, such as a smartphone-enabled otoscope, have also been investigated as a means to facilitate virtual evaluations [ 13 ]. In addition, imaging modalities such as plain films or even CT scans may be preferred over endoscopic examination, particularly in positive or unknown cases, to decrease the risk of transmission.…”