Multicenter, Cross-sectional Survey on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Cases and its Management in Pakistan during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Perspective

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to perform a multicenter, cross-sectional analysis to assess the maxillofacial cases presented and their management in a Pakistani population during the COVID-19 Pandemic along with academic activities.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from April 30, 2020, to Oct 30, 2020, in different maxillofacial centers across the country. The questionnaire aimed to elicit information regarding the maxillofacial services provided during the pandemic, the use of personal protective equipment, the effect on academic activities, the development of new standard operating procedures, and other aspects. All these data were collected through an online Performa and data was analyzed through SPSS 23.0v.
Results: The results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected maxillofacial services provided in Pakistan. Elective surgeries have been largely reduced whereas emergency services are being delivered in all centers. Academic activities have been negatively impacted, and alternate means of communication are being employed. The provision of personal protective equipment has become the focal point in delivering health services along with the formation of standard operating procedures for managing patients during the pandemic.
Conclusion: Maxillofacial surgeons must remain updated to use the information and inform new guidelines to help patients in a way that minimizes the risk to the operating team and provides the best level of care to the patients during this crisis.