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Background: Driving capacity is affected by vestibular disorders and the medications used to treat them. Driving is not considered during medical consultations, with 92 per cent of patients attending a centre for dizziness not discussing it with the doctor. Objective: To investigate if medical record prompts facilitate dizziness and driving conversations in ENT balance clinics. Methods: A questionnaire was designed to reflect the current standards of practice and advice given regarding driving and dizziness during balance clinic consultations. Results: Medical record prompts facilitated the improved frequency and recording of shared decision-making conversations about driving and dizziness in 98 per cent of consultations. Conclusion: This study highlights the benefits of medical record prompts for documented and accurate shared decision-making conversations surrounding dizziness, vertigo, vestibular conditions and driving. This potentially improves safety for all road users, and protects the patient and clinician in the event of road traffic accidents and medico-legal investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sir Felix Semon established the Semon Lecture series in 1913 to advance the specialty of laryngology. The annual lectures continue to the present day (there have been 95 to date). Objective: This review illustrates how instrumental these lectures have been in shaping otolaryngology. Method: The period 1913–1970 preceded subspecialisation, and so forms the background of laryngology (as well as rhinology and otology) as we know it today. This era forms the focus of the article. Results: Changes came about by a standardisation of practices and research, and in the treatment of conditions. The initial period was crucial. Conclusion: Many lectures highlight the specialty's growth. Now, another vital resource, a dedicated website (semonlectures.org), has made this information more accessible to the wider public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The arrival of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic disrupted life suddenly and forcefully, and healthcare systems around the world are still struggling to come to terms with it. This paper reviews the impact of the pandemic on ENT practice and training. Methods: The present manuscript was developed as a narrative review to examine the role of otorhinolaryngologists in the management of the pandemic, and assess its impact on practice and training in the specialty. Results: Otorhinolaryngologists handle secretions of organs implicated in disease transmission, leaving them particularly vulnerable even while performing simple procedures. Although the pandemic increased skill expectations, it simultaneously reduced learning opportunities for trainees. In addition, attention to emergencies has been delayed. Further, the suspension of elective procedures has affected patients with malignancies. Conclusion: While planning service resumption, provisions need to be made for protective equipment and training; improving teleconsultation services will help provide sustainable care during further waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 has had a dramatic effect on society and healthcare. Preparations were based on predictive models of need, and with uncertainty regarding risk to patients and healthcare workers. Actions taken had both immediate and ongoing ethical impacts. The most obvious of these was the shift in duty of care from individual patients to public health centred ethics and decision making. Relevance: In ENT, many procedures are aerosol-generating and so our capacity to provide care will remain significantly reduced. This reduction in capacity may result in difficult choices for patients when optimal care may be replaced by acceptable care. ENT surgeons may also be faced with unaccustomed paternalism when capacity prevents them from acting within the patients' wishes. Conclusion: Despite these challenges, the novel uses of technology highlight the desire to preserve and enhance the autonomy of our patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]