OTO Journal

This podcast highlights original research published in the May 2021 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

Part 1 objective: To assess the prevalence of distress and burnout in otolaryngology trainees, including associations with relevant sociodemographic and professional factors, and to compare these results with those of attending otolaryngologists.

Part 2 objective: To ascertain the prevalence of and associations with distress and professional burnout among academic otolaryngology attending physicians.

Part 1 conclusion: Otolaryngology trainees experience significant work-place distress (49%) and burnout (35%). Gender, HW, and NOC had the strongest associations with distress and burnout.

Part 2 conclusion: Distress or professional burnout occurs in more than a quarter of academic otolaryngology attending physicians, whereas the prevalence of depression or anxiety is approximately 10%. The number of hours worked per week had the strongest association with distress and burnout. These findings may be used to develop and implement programs to promote physician well-being and mitigate professional burnout.

Click here to read the full part 1 article.

Click here to read the full part 2 article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the April 2021 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

The first pediatric tracheostomy tube change often occurs within 7 days after placement; however, the optimal timing is not known. The primary objective was to determine the rate of adverse events of an early tube change. Secondary objectives compared rates of significant peristomal wounds, sedation requirements, and expedited intensive care discharges.

In conclusion, the first tracheostomy tube change in children can occur without adverse events on day 4, resulting in fewer significant peristomal wounds and earlier intensive care discharge.

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This podcast discusses the implications for non-otolaryngologists of "Clinical Practice Guideline: Opioid Prescribing for Analgesia After Common Otolaryngology Operations", published as a supplement to the April 2021 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

The purpose of this specialty-specific guideline is to identify quality improvement opportunities in postoperative pain management of common otolaryngologic surgical procedures. These opportunities are communicated through clear actionable statements with explanation of the support in the literature, evaluation of the quality of the evidence, and recommendations on implementation.

Click here to read the Guideline.

This podcast discusses the implications for otolaryngologists of "Clinical Practice Guideline: Opioid Prescribing for Analgesia After Common Otolaryngology Operations", published as a supplement to the April 2021 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

The purpose of this specialty-specific guideline is to identify quality improvement opportunities in postoperative pain management of common otolaryngologic surgical procedures. These opportunities are communicated through clear actionable statements with explanation of the support in the literature, evaluation of the quality of the evidence, and recommendations on implementation.

Click here to read the Guideline.

This podcast highlights original research published in the March 2021 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

The objective was to evaluate the association between race/ethnicity and insurance status on the access to early cochlear implantation.

In conclusion, racial/ethnic and insurance disparities in pediatric cochlear implantation can be observed at the population level. To address these racial and insurance inequalities, a multidisciplinary care team is needed and priorities should be given to research endeavors and policy interventions that target these disparities.

Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the February 2021 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

Building a diverse otolaryngology workforce—one that mirrors society—is critical.

In conclusion, structural inequities are woven into the fabric of society and medicine, and these effects are often invisible to those who do not bear the brunt of them.

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This podcast highlights original research published in the January 2021 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

The objective was to investigate differences in epidemiology of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with regards to human papillomavirus (HPV), race, and socioeconomic status (SES) using the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

In conclusion, significant differences in HPV status exist between socioeconomic and racial groups, with HPV-negative disease more common among blacks and lower SES. When controlling for HPV status, race and SES still influence outcomes in oropharyngeal cancers.

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This podcast highlights original research published in the December 2020 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

Auditory complaints are commonly reported following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, few studies have examined patient-reported auditory symptomatology and quality-of-life metrics in individuals with TBI. We hypothesize that following TBI, individuals can experience auditory symptoms even with hearing thresholds in the normal range.

In conclusion, despite hearing thresholds in the normal range, some individuals with TBI experience decrements in auditory quality of life, even in the absence of TBF.

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This podcast highlights original research published in the November 2020 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a common diagnosis among adults presenting for outpatient care. We sought to determine national utilization and the associated cost of invasive procedures for adult ETD.

In conclusion, several nasal and otologic procedures are associated with a diagnosis of adult ETD at substantial cost. Development of therapeutic alternatives should be sought to mitigate the need for invasive procedures to treat this condition.

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This podcast highlights original research published in the October 2020 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

The objective of this review was to evaluate clinicians' adherence to these guidelines' recommendations as measured in the literature.

In conclusion, adherence to recommendations in the AAO-HNSF guidelines varies widely. These findings highlight areas for further guideline dissemination, research about guideline adoption, and quality improvement

Click here to read the full article.