Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals working in otolaryngology: a cross-sectional survey.

Cross-sectionalBrazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology· Jul 2026

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals working in otolaryngology: a cross-sectional survey.

Charmaine Szalay-Anderson, Benjamin Ewanchuk, Ranjani Somayaji, Derrick R Randall

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Otolaryngology (ENT)Cross-sectionalQ2IF 1.7

Fear of illness was the most common workplace challenge for otolaryngology professionals.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals working in otolaryngology: a cross-sectional survey.

Charmaine Szalay-Anderson … Derrick R Randall

Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology · Jul 2026 · Q2 in Otorhinolaryngology

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the highly infectious and transmissible SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Purpose

We aimed to gather opinions regarding the pandemic's personal and professional impact from Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery professionals globally.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was developed and administered using snowball sampling for surgical staff, trainees, and connected allied health workers in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery globally in May 2021.

n = 452 total responses

21.1%

Results

21.1%

fear of illness was the most common workplace challenge for ear, nose, and throat staff

n = 452 total responses

More results

Respondents generally favoured policies implemented by local health authorities (69.7%) but believed that policies were implemented too late (49.6%).

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

Individuals reported generalized fear and frustration in their personal and professional lives due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, they exhibited agility to overcome these challenges.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

Ongoing support from government and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery societies is key to aid health professionals providing essential care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, cohort cross-sectional survey.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals working in otolaryngology: a cross-sectional survey.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals working in otolaryngology: a cross-sectional survey.

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