Table 4 Features present in Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) of ENT departments across the country in response to the first COVID-19 wave

Standard operating protocols (n = 168)

Responses

 Practicing hand hygiene

134 (80%)

 Patient wearing a standard surgical mask during the procedure

78 (46%)

 Enhanced PPE (FFP3 mask, full length gown, face visor or goggles)

153 (91%)

 Enhanced decontamination of re-usable nasendoscope

49 (29%)

 Introduction of single-use nasendoscope

47 (28%)

 Video nasendoscope with-screen monitor

123 (73%)

 Dedicated room for nasendoscope decontamination

65 (39%)

 Dedicated AGP room

121 (72%)

 Other changes

19 (11%)

AGP room specifications (n = 142)

Responses

 Designated negative pressure room

14 (10%)

 Negative pressure room with portable HEPA filtration unit

6 (4%)

 Open windows

56 (39%)

 Dedicated room – no negative pressure or open window

44 (31%)

 Room left for 20′ after cleaned

42 (30%)

 Room left for 20-60′ after cleaned

46 (32%)

 Room left for 60-120′ after cleaned

17 (12%)

 Room left for less than 20′ after cleaned (no coughing or sneezing during procedure)

33 (23%)

 Other changes

20 (14%)