Union of the European Phoniatricians' position statement on the exit strategy of phoniatric and laryngological services: staying safe and getting back to normal after the peak of coronavirus disease 2019 (issued on 25th May 2020)

J Laryngol Otol. 2020 Aug;134(8):661-664. doi: 10.1017/S002221512000122X. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Abstract

Background: The following position statement from the Union of the European Phoniatricians, updated on 25th May 2020 (superseding the previous statement issued on 21st April 2020), contains a series of recommendations for phoniatricians and ENT surgeons who provide and/or run voice, swallowing, speech and language, or paediatric audiology services.

Objectives: This material specifically aims to inform clinical practices in countries where clinics and operating theatres are reopening for elective work. It endeavours to present a current European view in relation to common procedures, many of which fall under the aegis of aerosol generating procedures.

Conclusion: As evidence continues to build, some of the recommended practices will undoubtedly evolve, but it is hoped that the updated position statement will offer clinicians precepts on safe clinical practice.

Keywords: Audiology; COVID-19; Laryngology; Otorhinolaryngology; Pediatrics; Phoniatrics; Swallowing; Voice.

MeSH terms

  • Audiology / methods*
  • Audiology / standards
  • Betacoronavirus / isolation & purification*
  • COVID-19
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology
  • Deglutition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Deglutition Disorders / surgery
  • Deglutition Disorders / virology
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Mandatory Testing / standards
  • Otolaryngology / methods*
  • Otolaryngology / standards
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Pediatrics / standards
  • Personal Protective Equipment / standards
  • Personal Protective Equipment / supply & distribution
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / virology
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Societies, Medical / organization & administration
  • Voice Disorders / diagnosis
  • Voice Disorders / surgery
  • Voice Disorders / virology