Guidelines and Recommendations for Patient Management, Surgical Activities, and Safety in the Maxillofacial Unit and Head and Neck Department During COVID-19 Pandemic

J Craniofac Surg. 2020 Sep;31(6):e630-e633. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006753.

Abstract

The recent pandemic has led to an unprecedented overload of sanitary systems around the world. Despite that a maxillofacial department is not a frontline specialty in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 infections, our department has found itself faced with numerous problems in keeping the care system active and efficient while ensuring safety for patients and healthcare professionals. Massive redistribution of health personnel was needed to improve prevention and personal safety measures. The education and training system has been kept active, giving residents a decisive role in managing the state of emergency response. This article outlines new guidelines for infection prevention: from clinical control, treatment processes, clinical management, protection, and disinfection of healthcare professionals.

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Coronavirus Infections / transmission
  • Head / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Maxilla / surgery*
  • Neck / surgery*
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / transmission
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • SARS-CoV-2