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North East London coronavirus disease 2019 protocol for diagnostics in two-week wait head and neck cancer patients.
- Source :
- Journal of Laryngology & Otology; Aug2020, Vol. 134 Issue 8, p680-683, 4p
- Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic requires urgent modification to existing head and neck cancer diagnosis and management practices. A protocol was established that utilises risk stratification, early investigation prior to clinical review and a reduction in aerosol generating procedures to lessen the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 spread. Methods: Two-week wait referrals were stratified into low, intermediate and high risk. Low risk patients were referred back to primary care with advice; intermediate and high risk patients underwent investigation. Clinical encounters and aerosol generating procedures were minimised. A combined diagnostic and therapeutic surgical approach was undertaken where possible. Results: Forty-one patients were used to assess feasibility. Thirty-one per cent were low risk, 35 per cent were intermediate and 33 per cent were high risk. Thirty-three per cent were discharged with no imaging. Conclusion: Implementing this protocol reduces the future burden on tertiary services, by empowering primary care physicians to re-refer low risk patients. The protocol is applicable across the UK and avoids diagnostic delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00222151
- Volume :
- 134
- Issue :
- 8
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Laryngology & Otology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 146051172
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022215120001267