Patient Care

Specialized Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital

Anonymous — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 18:39:12 +0000

Specialized Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital

Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 02/26/2025 - 10:39

The Pediatrics team at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital (BCH) provides expert care for children with ear, nose, throat and related conditions through their distinctive multidisciplinary approach. This comprehensive team includes pediatric anesthesiologists, nurses, child life specialists, audiologists and speech and language pathologists, all specially trained to work with young patients.

"Being able to help kids and families with essential functions, such as hearing, breathing and swallowing, during critical times in development [has] significant impacts on overall quality of life and establishing long-lasting relationships with patients and families," said Kristina Rosbe, MD, clinical professor of Pediatric Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) and Pediatrics at UCSF.

Dr. Rosbe emphasizes that pediatric care is truly a "team sport." Collaborative specialists work together to support complex hospitalized patients and deliver exceptional care to children and, by extension, their families.

What sets UCSF's approach apart is its thorough assessment process. The team begins by evaluating each child's hearing, breathing, speaking and swallowing abilities. They then collaborate with families to develop personalized care plans, including the crucial step of involving Social Workers to address home-life concerns, an often overlooked but essential component of the healing process.

For decades, UCSF's children's clinic has been at the forefront of treating these conditions. The family-centered care model continues to serve children with a wide range of ear, nose and throat-related conditions, ensuring complete support throughout their treatment journey.

UCSF's New Bayfront Medical Building to Serve OHNS Patients

Anonymous — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 15:03:46 +0000

UCSF's New Bayfront Medical Building to Serve OHNS Patients

Announcements

Patient Care

Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/12/2024 - 08:03

The UCSF Bayfront Medical Building is now open and treating patients! The adult outpatient center is available for scheduled medical appointments in primary, specialty and urgent care on the UCSF Mission Bay campus.

Otolaryngology – head and neck surgery care will be provided at this new location as of August 27, 2024. In addition to OHNS and the many other specialty health care options, other amenities include a pharmacy for prescriptions, radiological images and more. UCSF OHNS's Drs. Andrea Park, Charles Limb, Clark Rosen, Yue Ma, Jose Gurrola and Nicole Jiam will provide care at the Bayfront clinic.

The ribbon cutting ceremony on August 23 symbolized UCSF's ongoing investment in the community and commitment to providing superb care. The Bayfront services of 14 operating rooms for outpatient surgery, 15 kinds of specialty care, a radiological imaging suite, a physical/occupational therapy gym and a laboratory for blood work offers patients the convenience of all-in-one care.

Bayfront will house San Francisco's largest ambulatory surgery center. State-of-the-art technology in the outpatient surgery wing will allow for procedures that don't require an overnight stay, alleviating the strain put on emergency rooms.

The medical specialties areas in the Bayfront Medical Building include Allergy; Audiology; Cardiology; Dermatology; General Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat); Endocrinology; Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (non-cosmetic); Gastroenterology; Hepatology; Neurosurgery; Pain Medicine; Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation; Pulmonology (Interstitial Lung Disease); Rheumatology; Urology; Vascular Surgery; and Voluntary Surgical Contraception.

Bayfront is located at 520 Illinois St, San Francisco. To schedule an appointment, call 415-353-7598.

Navigating Otolaryngology Issues While Traveling: A Comprehensive Guide

Anonymous — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 22:46:15 +0000

Navigating Otolaryngology Issues While Traveling: A Comprehensive Guide

Patient Care

Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 08/08/2024 - 15:46

Traveling opens new horizons and experiences, but for individuals with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions, it can also pose unique challenges. From ear pain during flights to managing allergies in different climates, understanding how to navigate these issues can significantly enhance your travel experience. In this guide, we'll explore common ENT issues faced by travelers and provide practical tips to ensure a smoother journey.

Common ENT Issues Faced by Travelers

Travelers often encounter several ENT issues, including:

Ear Pain and Discomfort During Flights: Due to changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing.
Motion Sickness: Traveling on planes or boats can be really challenging for people who experience motion sickness.
Ear Infections: Triggered by water exposure (swimming, diving) or changes in climate.
Nasal Allergies: Reacting to different environmental allergens.
Dry Air: Especially noticeable in airplanes and hotels, leading to dry nasal passages and throat.
Sore Throats: Resulting from exposure to different climates or air conditioning.
Vocal Cord Strain: Caused by frequent or loud speaking in noisy environments.
Altitude and Climate Effects: Such as sinus congestion at high altitudes or in dry climates.

Pre-Travel Preparations for Individuals with Chronic ENT Conditions

If you have chronic ENT conditions, consider these preparations before your trip:

Consult Your ENT Specialist: Ensure your conditions are stable and get advice on managing them during travel.
Medication Stock: Carry sufficient prescribed medications, including nasal sprays, and decongestants for emergencies.
Medical Records: Have copies of your medical history, allergies, and prescriptions handy.
Travel Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical emergencies related to your ENT conditions.

Understanding Ear Pain During Flights

Ear pain during flights is common due to rapid changes in air pressure. To alleviate discomfort:

Swallowing: Chew gum or swallow frequently during takeoff and landing.
Yawning: Helps open the Eustachian tubes, equalizing pressure.
Earplugs: Specialized earplugs designed for air travel can regulate pressure changes.

Dealing with Motion Sickness

Motion sickness, characterized by nausea, dizziness, and vomiting, can also impact travelers with ENT issues. To minimize its effects:

Seat Choice: Choose a seat over the wings of the plane or in the middle of a ship to reduce motion sensations.
Sleeping and Eating: Migraine and motion sickness have overlapping causes and often, the triggers for headaches and migraine can also make motion sickness more likely. This includes being hungry, feeling tired, and an increase in sensory stimuli like lights and sounds. So, get good sleep and eat regular, healthy meals.
Horizons: Focus on distant scenery or the horizon to help stabilize your inner ear balance.
Medications: Antihistamines, antinausea medications, or medications specifically for motion sickness can also be effective—consult your doctor for the best options.

Preventing Ear Infections While Traveling

For those prone to ear infections, especially from water exposure:

Ear Protection: Use earplugs or a swimmer's ear solution when swimming or diving.
Avoid Cold Air Blasts: Direct exposure can aggravate sensitive ears.
Dry Ears Thoroughly: After swimming or bathing, to prevent moisture buildup. But stay away from Q tips!

Managing Nasal Allergies in Different Climates

Traveling to new environments can trigger nasal allergies:

Research Allergens: Know local pollen seasons and allergens.
Allergy Medication: Carry antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids.
Nasal Irrigation: Use saline sprays to cleanse nasal passages.

Coping with Dry Air in Airplanes and Hotels

Dry air can irritate nasal passages and throat:

Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout your journey.
Saline Nasal Sprays: Keep nasal passages moist and prevent dryness.
Humidifiers: Consider portable humidifiers for hotel rooms.

Preventing Sore Throats in Different Climates

Changes in climate or air quality can lead to sore throats:

Stay Hydrated: Drink warm liquids like tea with honey.
Throat Lozenges: Soothe irritation and keep throat moist.
Avoid Smoking and Irritants: Minimize exposure to pollutants.

Protecting Vocal Cords During Extended Speaking

For frequent speakers or performers:

Voice Rest: Take breaks and avoid excessive strain.
Hydration: Drink warm, non-caffeinated fluids to keep vocal cords lubricated.
Avoid Loud Environments: Use a microphone if speaking in noisy settings.

Managing Effects of Different Climates and Altitudes

Changes in altitude and climate can affect sinus and ear pressure:

Prepare for Altitude Changes: Nasal decongestants can help equalize pressure.
Sinus Irrigation: Use saline rinses to prevent congestion.
Protect Ears: Use earplugs in windy or cold environments.

Importance of Hydration for ENT Health

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining mucosal health:

Drink Water Regularly: Especially in dry environments or during flights.
Avoid Excess Alcohol and Caffeine: Which can dehydrate the body.

Traveling with ENT conditions requires foresight and preparation, but with the right strategies, you can minimize discomfort and enjoy your journey to the fullest. Prioritize your health by consulting with healthcare professionals, carrying necessary medications, and taking proactive steps to manage specific challenges associated with ear, nose, and throat issues. By doing so, you can turn potential obstacles into opportunities for memorable experiences around the globe.

Safe and healthy travels!

Increasing Awareness for Head and Neck Cancer in San Francisco

Anonymous — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 23:34:20 +0000

Increasing Awareness for Head and Neck Cancer in San Francisco

Patient Care

Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 06/26/2024 - 16:34

In collaboration with University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Zuckerberg San Francisco General's (ZSFG) Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery faculty and trainees, we are pleased to share some of our recent and upcoming community outreach events focused on head and neck cancer awareness around San Francisco.

This past October, at the annual Chinatown Community Health Fair organized by the NICOS Chinese Health Coalition and Gum Moon/Asian Women's Resource Center (AWRC), UCSF OHNS conducted a head and neck cancer screening event. The team was able to screen or provide Chinese and English resources to over 100 attendees. Our dedicated team of attending physicians, residents, nurse practitioners, medical students, medical assistants, and Berkeley VHIO translators made these efforts possible.

The Community Outreach team at the October 2023 Chinatown Community Health Fair (Dr. Alyssa Civantos, Dr. Patrick Ha, Connie Zhou, Dr. Katherine Wai, and Brooke Warren).

More recently, in May, UCSF OHNS took part in the 46th annual Carnaval SF celebration in the Mission District. At this vibrant event, we distributed resources in English and Spanish, thanks to our partnership with Clínica Martín-Baró, a student-organized free clinic caring for the underserved Latinx community of San Francisco. We extend our gratitude to everyone involved.

Dr. Alyssa Civantos and Tiffany Husman raising awareness for Head and Neck Cancer at Carnaval in May 2024.

"In the clinic and hospital settings, we have a limited snapshot of the folks who come in to see us. Through community outreach to not only raise awareness of various ENT-related concerns but also to learn from community members, we have a great opportunity to expand our goal of caring for our diverse SF community. I'm looking forward to growing our team's outreach efforts to increase access to language-concordant care with our upcoming events and beyond!" shares Connie Zhou, 4th-year medical student.

With support from the 2024 American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) Cancer Prevention Service Community Award, UCSF OHNS looks forward to continuing our outreach initiatives, starting with the next annual Chinatown Community Health Fair in October.

If you are interested in volunteering for future events and are a certified medical Cantonese or Spanish translator or UCSF OHNS provider, please reach out to [email protected]">[email protected].

Connie Zhou and Brooke Warren, 2023 Chinatown Community Health Fair

Dr. Katherine Wai, Dr. Alyssa Civantos, Shauna Brodie, NP, Dr. Patrick Ha, Connie Zhou, Aileen Chuah, Cai Wu, and Eunice Tsang, 2023 Chinatown Community Health Fair.

OHNS Director of Speech Language Pathology Discusses Gender Affirming Voice Care on Podcast

Anonymous — Thu, 23 May 2024 22:48:02 +0000

OHNS Director of Speech Language Pathology Discusses Gender Affirming Voice Care on Podcast

Patient Care

Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/23/2024 - 15:48

Sarah Schneider, MS, CCC-SLP, of the University of California, San Francisco Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (UCSF OHNS) was featured on the BackTable ENT podcast. The podcast episode, Gender Affirming Voice Care, discusses voice care for transgender patients.

The podcast, hosted by Dr. Gopi Shah of UT Southwestern Medical Center ENT, featured Schneider and Dr. Mark Courey of Mount Sinai Otolaryngology.

Schneider and Drs. Shah and Courey discuss what gender-affirming care looks like and how they create a personalized healthcare experience for those seeking help with voice-related concerns.

"It's really meeting the person where they are and when they're ready to do it," Schneider says. "It's about what the person wants and exploring that from what their goals are, what's going to make them feel good about their voice from the inside and what is going to support them in having people identify them for who they are."

Providing well-rounded care to the transgender community and all people includes understanding the needs of each person and collaborating with other clinicians.

At UCSF OHNS, Schneider is part of an interdisciplinary team comprised primarily of speech pathologists and laryngologists. This collaborative approach also involves primary, mental health, endocrine, social work, plastics, and a transcare coordinator, all working together to direct patients based on their individual goals.

The podcast episode delves into various aspects of care, including how to handle misgendering, patient referrals, and more.

Schneider, a renowned expert in the field, holds key positions at UCSF OHNS. She is the Director of Speech Language Pathology, Co-Director of the UCSF Voice and Swallowing Center, and an Associate Clinical Professor.

Successful Head and Neck Cancer Screening Event

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:20:36 +0000

Successful Head and Neck Cancer Screening Event

Patient Care

Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/25/2024 - 13:20

Our Free Head & Neck Cancer Screening event on April 15 was a success! The Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF OHNS) provided screenings, support, and educational material to nearly two dozen people.

Honoring Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, the UCSF OHNS team offered educational materials to those being screened. The OHNS team explained the risk factors of these types of cancers and ways to recognize the symptoms early on to attendees.

The free screening was comprehensive, covering various areas of concern. It included examinations of the skin, ears, nose, oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, salivary glands, thyroid glands, and neck, ensuring a thorough assessment of the attendees' health.

Many department members, including RNs, APPs, and administrators, contributed to the successful event.

Additional preventative tips were offered and included the following:

Cease tobacco usage
Moderate alcohol use
Ask your primary caregiver about HPV vaccination
Perform monthly self-examinations
Visit your primary caregiver or dentist for an oral, head and neck exam regularly

UCSF OHNS Pediatric Providers Care for Patients in the Craniofacial Center

ohns_admin — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 04:33:10 +0000

UCSF OHNS Pediatric Providers Care for Patients in the Craniofacial Center

Patient Care

ohns_admin Wed, 07/12/2023 - 21:33

This July, during National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month, we want to highlight the ways the team at the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF OHNS) is involved in craniofacial care. This month serves to raise awareness and improve understanding of orofacial clefts and other conditions of the head and face.

In the United States each year, around 2,600 babies are born with a cleft palate and around 4,400 babies are born with a cleft lip. Orofacial clefts, other congenital anomalies and accidental injuries to the face affect thousands of infants, children, teens and adults annually.

Several members of the pediatric OHNS team participate in the UCSF Craniofacial Center, including Dylan Chan, MD, JoAnn Czechowicz, MD, Kimberly Luu, MD, Jordan Virbalas, MD, Pamela Chan, PA-C, and Suzanne Petersen, PA-C.

These providers are part of a multidisciplinary team that conducts joint visits for children with craniofacial anomalies. At these visits, a patient may be assessed by a member of our OHNS team, as well as clinicians from plastic surgery, dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, audiology, genetics, pediatrics, speech pathology, social work and neurosurgery. After each specialist visits with the patient and the patient's family, the team meets to discusses the assessment and plan together to ensure that appropriate care is delivered in a timely manner and coordinated with any other treatment the patient may require.

Additionally, OHNS providers follow craniofacial patients regularly in individual clinics. Patients with common craniofacial conditions such as cleft palate or ear canal atresia will likely require OHNS care regularly from infancy through their adolescence.

Otolaryngologists play a critical role in the management of children with craniofacial anomalies. Even subtle changes in facial structure can create meaningful functional deficits in a child's hearing, speech, sleep and breathing. There is no other specialty with such broad expertise in the functional elements head and neck anatomy and no clinician better suited to help improve the lives of these children.

"Craniofacial care can provide such dramatic benefits for patients with craniofacial differences," says Dr. Virbalas. "Restoring hearing to a child with ear canal atresia or helping a child with a cleft palate develop intelligible speech removes barriers to entire worlds of interpersonal communication for that child. The opportunity to play a role in that process is among the most fulfilling aspects of my career."

Dr. Virbalas remembers a patient who was born with microtia and ear canal atresia of both ears that could only hear using a tight headband that turns sound into vibration against the bone behind her ear. She was soft spoken and appeared withdrawn. On the day of surgery, staff felt that she was either shy, angry or afraid of the providers. But that all changed after hearing aids were implanted.

"She became a totally different kid. She was LOUD. She was outgoing," says Dr. Virbalas. "This change, not only in the functional hearing of this child, but in her personal growth and happiness, is profoundly rewarding."

According to Dr. Virbalas, the best way to learn about the types of difficulties that children with craniofacial differences overcome is to participate in a multidisciplinary craniofacial clinic. By shadowing any one of the different participating clinicians (and joining in the multidisciplinary discussion that follows), medical students can get a new perspective on these challenges and what treatments are offered.

"Multidisciplinary care of patients is great way to see problems from multiple different perspectives," says Dr. Virbalas. "Working in a collaborative environment like the craniofacial clinic makes me a better otolaryngologist."

To learn more about the UCSF Craniofacial Center at the Benioff Children's Hospital, visit the website.

The UCSF OHNS Team's Positive Impact Globally

ohns_admin — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:54:04 +0000

The UCSF OHNS Team's Positive Impact Globally

Patient Care

ohns_admin Wed, 07/05/2023 - 04:54

Programs in Africa and South America showcase how the University of California, San Francisco Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (UCSF OHNS) is making a difference for the better around the world.

Case Conference and Ongoing Collaborations in Tanzania

Members of UCSF OHNS are building upon the collaborations with the Otorhinolaryngology Department at Muhimbili National Hospital/Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. On February 13, 2023, the first of a series of virtual case conferences were held over Zoom, with more than 30 attendees discussing a pediatric airway case. Dr. Baraka Musimu, a resident from Muhimbili, presented a case that was prepared in collaboration with UCSF OHNS resident Michael Lindeborg, MD. UCSF OHNS attendees included Lia Jacobson, MD, JoAnn Czechowicz, MD, Jordan Virbalas, MD, Andrew Goldberg, MD, and Mary Jue Xu, MD.

In April, Jeffrey Sharon, MD, will lead onsite otology training in Tanzania at a newly built temporal bone lab. Another capacity-building collaboration in April was the first virtual case conference between the speech language pathology teams in Tanzania and UCSF.

Cleft Lip and Palate Repair Trip to Ica, Peru

Every year since 2017 (aside from the pandemic), members of UCSF OHNS have participated in an annual surgical mission to Ica, Peru, to treat patients with congenital craniofacial anomalies. The next trip is planned at the end of 2023.

The Peruvian patients seeking care often travel as much as 48 hours from deep within the Amazonia region to reach the Hospital Regional de Ica. Jordan Virbalas, MD, a pediatric otolaryngologist, has participated in each trip accompanied by UCSF otolaryngology residents or fellows in partnership with the Healing the Children charity organization.

In Peru, the U.S.-based team partners with Peruvian physicians, surgeons, anesthesiology residents, surgery fellows and medical students from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Over the course of eight days, the team will assess up to 140 patients and perform 60 to 75 surgeries such as cleft lip repair, cleft palate repair, pharyngoplasty for velopharyngeal insufficiency, cleft rhinoplasty and microtia repair using costal cartilage.

Early Detection and Intervention for Congenital Hearing Loss in Lima, Peru

Universal newborn hearing screening is standard practice in most high-income countries. Implementation of early hearing detection and intervention programs in low or middle-income countries presents unique challenges and opportunities. Hospital San Bartolomé (HSB) is among the largest maternal and pediatric hospitals in Lima, Peru, with over 5,000 births per year.

JoAnn Czechowicz, MD, is partnering with a research team including staff of the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Lima to evaluate the past five years of data from more than 20,000 patients on screening and diagnosis of congenital hearing loss at HSB as well as qualitative interviews on attitudes and knowledge around congenital hearing loss.

Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Bootcamp Week in Rwanda

With only 23 OHNS providers for a population of 13 million people in Rwanda, there is a critical need to train general practitioners to provide care for head and neck diseases in that nation. Mary Jue Xu, MD, is aiding that effort through work with the University of Global Health Equity, a new medical school in Rwanda whose senior-most medical students began their subspecialty training in OHNS in January 2023. The training began with a one-week bootcamp that was followed by three-week rotations in OHNS departments.

Mary Jue Xu, MD, a co-director of the bootcamp week, worked with Rwandan and international faculty to support development and implementation of the curriculum. Additionally, former and current residents Gaelen Stanford-Moore, MD, and Michael Lindeborg, MD, presented a virtual lecture during the week.

UCSF Global Health Research Program and Fellowship

UCSF's Center for Health Equity in Surgery and Anesthesia (CHESA) has a year-long fellowship program for surgical and anesthesia providers dedicated to improving perioperative health equity throughout the world. Co-directed by Lia Jacobson, MD, from the OHNS department, this multidisciplinary, global surgery fellowship program provides global health curriculum, research and project support, mentorship and a community cohort for fellows participating in health equity work in their respective countries or hospitals.

In OHNS, there is a funded clinical track for U.S. licensed surgeons to participate in clinical/surgical work at UCSF and clinical instruction at a partner hospital in Cambodia during the fellowship year. OHNS residents and physicians from all countries are eligible to apply for the research/project track and can complete the fellowship year remotely.

This article was originally published in the Spring 2023 edition of "HeadsUp!" You can read more articles from the publication here.

A Look at Speech Language Pathology at the University of California, San Francisco

ohns_admin — Mon, 15 May 2023 22:56:14 +0000

A Look at Speech Language Pathology at the University of California, San Francisco

Patient Care

ohns_admin Mon, 05/15/2023 - 15:56

Communication is one of the cornerstones of life, but sometimes, it can come with barriers. The Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) work every day to eliminate those barriers and make communication accessible for all. We want to take time this Better Hearing and Speech Month to highlight the work our SLPs do to make patients' lives all the better.

While some people may think of speech and language pathology as only a pediatric issue, there are numerous ways that SLPs interact with patients, aid in the recovery of different conditions and help patients achieve communication goals.

As a field, Speech Language Pathology is both specialized and broad. After all, there are many different situations that can impact someone's speech and language capabilities. A stroke can cause aphasia, which requires a speech pathologist to help with rehabilitation, or a child can be born with a swallowing issue, which may require surgery and then therapy with an SLP.

Because of the range of conditions that can lead to speech, language, voice, upper airway, and swallowing challenges, SLPs fulfill a variety of roles at UCSF. Many SLPs work within the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS). Others work in the Memory and Aging Center at the Weill Institute of Neurosciences, the UCSF Center for ASD and NDDs, the Pediatric Speech and Language Therapy Clinic at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, UCSF Transgender Care and elsewhere.

Within the Department of Otolaryngology, Speech Language Pathology is generally focused on the treatment of voice, swallowing, and upper airway issues through the lifespan along with serving deaf and hard of hearing children.

Services can range from assessing and treating speech and language for children before and after a cochlear implant, voice training for transgender individuals, addressing chronic cough, to optimizing voice for someone with vocal fold scarring. Changes in voice and swallowing impact those receiving head and neck cancer treatment and cancer survivors. The SLP team works closely with patients throughout their care to help maintain and optimize swallowing and communication.

There are also neurological disorders — including laryngeal dystonia, essential voice tremor, or Parkinson's disease — that impact voice and swallowing and benefit from SLP intervention. SLPs are an integral part of many multi-disciplinary teams and partner with audiologists, otolaryngologists, laryngologists, neurologists, radiation and medical oncologists to optimize patient care.

The UCSF SLPs are also active in research, with ongoing studies into topics like laryngopharyngeal sensation in patients with laryngopharyngeal disorders, gender affirming voice care, laryngeal dystonia, along with trismus and swallowing changes in head and neck cancer survivors and health disparities related to speech language services for children with hearing loss.

The SLPs are led by Sarah L. Schneider, MS, CCC-SLP, who is the OHNS Speech Language Pathology Director, co-director of the UCSF Voice and Swallowing Center, and an associate clinical professor at UCSF OHNS. She focuses on evaluation and treatment of all aspects of voice and upper airway and has special expertise and training in performing voice, gender affirming voice and communication care, laryngeal dystonia and vocal tremor.

During Better Speech and Hearing Month, which is organized by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, take a moment to thank the SLPs for the crucial work they do throughout the hospital. You can also get to know the SLPs at UCSF OHNS on our website.

New E-Consent Process at UCSF OHNS to Continue Prioritizing Patient Safety

ohns_admin — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 23:37:05 +0000

New E-Consent Process at UCSF OHNS to Continue Prioritizing Patient Safety

Patient Care

ohns_admin Mon, 03/13/2023 - 16:37

On February 7, 2023, surgeons at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) switched to an electronic patient consent (e-consent) process.

In the new system, providers send the e-consent to patients prior to surgery, as opposed to having patients sign a physical consent form when they arrive for surgery. The electronic process allows patients to review the consent forms on their own time and at their own speed. They can thoroughly read the forms in a private place where they feel comfortable and sign when they are ready. By helping patients feel comfortable as they prepare for surgery, we feel we are contributing to the overall culture of patient safety at UCSF.

When providers place the surgery request, they also complete an e-consent document collector, which is personalized to the patient's language and surgical case. The provider signs and then sends the document securely to the patient via MyChart.

E-consent allows us to assure we have the correct consent and, when appropriate, documentation of interpreter use. More importantly, it gives us the opportunity to reset the culture around informed consent such that details of the procedure, risks, benefits and alternatives are discussed in a patient-centric manner with opportunity for questions.

One month later, providers are seeing signs of success.

"We have received positive feedback from both patients and providers since starting the e-consent program," said Megan Durr, MD, who is an associate professor and the director of quality at UCSF OHNS and the interim chief of otolaryngology at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. "When patients have had extra time to thoroughly review and sign their surgical consent forms, it makes for a smoother check-in process on the morning of surgery. We are thrilled that we are now able to offer this to all of our patients."

We are proud to be among the first wave of UCSF Health locations and specialties to begin use of the e-consent. Patient safety is always a chief concern of ours, and we believe the e-consent helps us to continue improving on our processes.

To learn more about news at UCSF OHNS, visit our blog.