Importance of Collaboration

Pediatric care has evolved over time with an increasing number of both medical and surgical disciplines. As we all strive for excellence in what we are trained to do, it is an open communication between experts that provides the optimal situation for advanced multidisciplinary care of pediatric patients. Of critical importance to the highest quality pediatric medical care is the ability to provide family-centered care. Collaboration is more than just on the medical management side; it also involves parents, caregivers and patients in a shared-decision making approach. Care is individualized to each patient's specific situation.

In pediatric otorhinolaryngology, there is a spectrum of infectious pathology, some more benign and some that can cause life-threatening complications. Pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, otorhinolaryngologists, ophthalmologists, neurosurgeons, and intensive care specialists may be involved in the care of these children. In this special issue, we have sought to bring together basic science research, quality improvement efforts, and expertise of infectious disease specialists and surgeons to present a current state of the management of both common and rare infectious conditions in pediatric otorhinolaryngology.