Strengths and clinical applicability of the study
This study was conducted in a region significantly affected by the
COVID-19 pandemic, and data collected from each otorhinolaryngology
departments actively addressing the situation. Presently, English
literature neither provides research regarding COVID-19-related
tracheostomies nor multicentre data. Therefore, our questionnaire offers
a unique perspective, which emphasises the need for additional data to
establish dedicated guidelines addressing multiple discrepancies that
accompanied COVID-19 tracheostomies during the pandemic’s early phases.
CONCLUSION
Treating ICU patient tracheostomies, especially during fragile
situations such as COVID-19 infections, requires careful planning.
Additionally, the present approaches need refinement and shared
guidance. Although we cannot deny the pandemic’s ramifications on the
economy and human lives, the situation presents an opportunity to
improve standards of care. The similarities among ICU patients admitted
to various hospitals could help develop shared, evidence-based
interventions for tracheostomies in long-term invasively ventilated
COVID-19 patients. Consequently, the present lack of guidelines demands
mandatory collaboration between otolaryngologists and anaesthesiologists
to determine the timing and technical approaches appropriate for each
patient.
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