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Survey of otolaryngology services in Ukraine and neighbouring Central and Eastern European countries

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2017

M M Verkerk ,
R Wagner ,
R Fishchuk  and
J J Fagan
M M Verkerk*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, St George's Hospital, London, UK
R Wagner
Affiliation:
Global ENT Outreach, Coupeville, Washington, USA
R Fishchuk
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ukraine
J J Fagan
Affiliation:
Division of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Misha Verkerk, ENT Department, St George's Hospital, London SW17 0QT, UK Fax: 0208 725 3306 E-mail: mmverkerk@gmail.com
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Abstract

Objective:

The present humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is putting strains on its healthcare system. This study aimed to assess services and training in otolaryngology, audiology and speech therapy in Ukraine and its geographical neighbours.

Method:

Survey study of 327 otolaryngologists from 19 countries.

Results:

Fifty-six otolaryngologists (17 per cent) from 15 countries responded. Numbers of otolaryngologists varied from 3.6 to 12.3 per 100 000 population (Ukraine = 7.8). Numbers of audiologists varied from 0, in Ukraine, to 2.8 per 100 000, in Slovakia, and numbers of speech therapists varied from 0, in Bulgaria, to 4.0 per 100 000, in Slovenia (Ukraine = 0.1). Ukraine lacks newborn and school hearing screening, good availability of otological drills and microscopes, and a cochlear implant programme.

Conclusion:

There is wide variation in otolaryngology services in Central and Eastern Europe. All countries surveyed had more otolaryngologists per capita than the UK, but availability of audiology and speech and language therapy is poor. Further research on otolaryngology health outcomes in the region will guide service improvement.

Keywords

OtolaryngologyAudiologySpeech TherapyEastern EuropeUkraine
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 131 , Issue 11 , November 2017 , pp. 1002 - 1009
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2017 

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