Implementation of Protective Protocols during COVID-19 Pandemic and Older Patients’ Outcomes from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

OBJECTIVES: According to COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand, the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University (DCU) implemented the protective protocols across all groups of people, with no specific protocols for the elderly patents. This study aimed to review those protocols and its impact on the older patients’ treatment outcomes in the OMFS clinic, DCU and identify the potential areas for improvement.

METHODS: This observational study based on secondary data was conducted using the DCU-COVID-19 protocols and outcome data obtained from the DCU online database from March 26 to May 31, 2020. The descriptive approach was used for data analysis.

RESULTS: According to the DCU guidelines, all clinics strictly adhered to standard precautions, all health personnel were required to use personal protective equipment (PPE). Of the 853 older patients who visited the DCU, 35 (4.1%) received urgency or emergency treatments at the OMFS clinic; 19 (54.3%) were females, and 16 (45.7%) were males (mean age, 71.03 years). The most common chief complaint was pain (n = 23; 65.7%). No reports of COVID-19 transmission were received among dental staff and patients in the DCU. Additionally, none of the elderly patients returned to the clinic complaining of recurrence or worsening of symptoms or without a scheduled appointment.

CONCLUSIONS: The DCU-COVID-19 protective protocols for all patients, including older patients who attended the OMFS, appear to be appropriate and effective. However, telephone-based recall after surgical treatment at the clinic should be used, particularly for older patients.