Survey of otolaryngology services in Central America: need for a comprehensive intervention

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013 Nov;149(5):674-8. doi: 10.1177/0194599813505972. Epub 2013 Sep 20.

Abstract

In the developing world, there exists a scarcity of services and training in otolaryngology, audiology, and speech therapy, which is reflected by the gap between health care delivery in high-income countries and low-income countries. We surveyed, by questionnaire, the countries of Central America, except for Belize, because of the lack of otolaryngology services, on the following issues: availability of otolaryngology, audiology, and speech therapy services and equipment; otolaryngologist, audiologist, and speech therapist training; and availability of services in rural areas. Surveys were distributed via email and by hand at the 2011 Central American Congress of Otolaryngology, in San Salvador, El Salvador, to otolaryngologists, audiologists, and speech therapists. Not to our surprise, there is a shortfall in services and training in all three professions. The data collected and presented in this commentary will provide a basis by which change might take place.

Keywords: Central America; ENT; audiology; developing countries; otolaryngology; speech therapy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Central America
  • Data Collection*
  • Delivery of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Otolaryngology / statistics & numerical data*
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / therapy*