1017 Audit of Sore Throat Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Eastwood, M; Lovett, A; Metcalfe, C; Bhimrao, S

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has meant otolaryngologists have faced significant uncertainty and has them to change their clinical practice. ENT UK published guidance on the management of common emergencies encountered aimed to optimise safety for patient and clinician alongside reducing admission rate. We present an audit of our management of patients presenting with sore throat during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Prospective data collection was undertaken between 1st April 2020 and 1st July 2020, inclusive. All patients presenting acutely to ENT services with sore throat were reviewed. Local practice was compared to the ENT UK COVID-19 adult tonsillitis and quinsy management guidelines published on 6th April 2020. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients presented to the ENT department with an acute sore throat during the audit period. Twelve patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2, with all results being negative. All patients underwent an oral examination on review. Seventy-nine percent were discharged within 24 hours of admission. One patient required readmission within 30-days. CONCLUSIONS: With reduction in admissions, these results provide otolaryngologists with the reassurance for change of clinical practice. We recommend that for future practice to be safe for both patient and practitioner, the ENT UK guidelines are used to aid clinical decision-making especially during the COVID-19.