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Kitamura Y, Nakai H, Naruse I, Yazaki M, Maekawa Y, Yasumoto K. Effect of the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake on outpatient chemotherapy among cancer survivors in Japan: a retrospective study. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:990. [PMID: 39127643 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12760-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aim was to elucidate the effect of the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake on outpatient chemotherapy treatment of cancer survivors at Kanazawa Medical University Hospital (KMUH), Japan. METHODS Medical and nursing records for January 4-31, 2024, from KMUH were retrospectively collected, and data for 286 participants were analyzed. RESULTS Of the 286 participants, 95.1% were able to attend their first scheduled appointment. Of the 12 (4.2%) who could not attend because of the earthquake, 7 (58.3%) rescheduled their appointments. A total of 8 participants (2.8%) were unable to attend their second scheduled appointment in January, despite being able to attend their first appointment; 3 (37.5%) of these participants reported that they were unable to attend their appointments because of the effect of the earthquake. Chemotherapy was not administered to 53 (18.5%) participants who did attend, mainly owing to neutropenia, progressive disease, rash, and anemia. Evacuation information was available for 25 participants (8.7%); of these, 8 (28.6%) evacuated to their homes, 7 (25.0%) to public shelters, and 4 (14.3%) to apartments near the hospital. Disaster status information was obtained from 62 participants (21.7%), and indicated experiences such as home damage, water outages, and relying on transportation assistance from family to attend appointments. CONCLUSIONS Most cancer survivors receiving chemotherapy at KMUH were able to maintain outpatient visits. However, a few could not attend because of the earthquake. Further studies are needed to provide more detailed information on the effect of disasters on cancer survivors and the potential factors underlying non-attendance at medical appointments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Kitamura
- School of Nursing, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Uchinada, Kahoku, 920- 0293, Ishikawa, Japan.
- Department of Nursing, Kanazawa Medical University Hospital, 1-1 Uchinada, Kahoku, 920-0293, Ishikawa, Japan.
| | - Hisao Nakai
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Kochi, 2751-1 Ike, Kochi, 781-8515, Japan
| | - Ikumo Naruse
- Department of Nursing, Kanazawa Medical University Hospital, 1-1 Uchinada, Kahoku, 920-0293, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Miku Yazaki
- Department of Nursing, Kanazawa Medical University Hospital, 1-1 Uchinada, Kahoku, 920-0293, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yukie Maekawa
- Department of Nursing, Kanazawa Medical University Hospital, 1-1 Uchinada, Kahoku, 920-0293, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kazuo Yasumoto
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kanazawa Medical University Hospital, 1-1 Uchinada, Kahoku, 920-0293, Ishikawa, Japan
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Ortiz AP, Hospedales CJ, Méndez-Lázaro PA, Hamilton WM, Rolle LD, Shepherd JM, Espinel Z, Gay HA, Nogueira LM, Shultz JM. Protecting Caribbean patients diagnosed with cancer from compounding disasters. Lancet Oncol 2024; 25:e217-e224. [PMID: 38697167 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(24)00071-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Caribbean small island developing states are becoming increasingly vulnerable to compounding disasters, prominently featuring climate-related hazards and pandemic diseases, which exacerbate existing barriers to cancer control in the region. We describe the complexities of cancer prevention and control efforts throughout the Caribbean small island developing states, including the unique challenges of people diagnosed with cancer in the region. We highlight potential solutions and strategies that concurrently address disaster adaptation and cancer control. Because Caribbean small island developing states are affected first and worst by the hazards of compounding disasters, the innovative solutions developed in the region are relevant for climate mitigation, disaster adaptation, and cancer control efforts globally. In the age of complex and cascading disaster scenarios, developing strategies to mitigate their effect on the cancer control continuum, and protecting the health and safety of people diagnosed with cancer from extreme events become increasingly urgent. The equitable development of such strategies relies on collaborative efforts among professionals whose diverse expertise from complementary fields infuses the local community perspective while focusing on implementing solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Patricia Ortiz
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico; Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - C James Hospedales
- EarthMedic and EarthNurse Foundation for Planetary Health, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; Defeat-NCD Partnership Executive Committee Climate and Health, Healthy Caribbean Coalition, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pablo A Méndez-Lázaro
- Environmental Health Department, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | | | - LaShae D Rolle
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - J Marshall Shepherd
- Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems, Department of Geography, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Zelde Espinel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Hiram A Gay
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - James M Shultz
- Protect & Promote Population Health in Complex Crises, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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Wilson R, Burbage D, Dickman E, Ginex P. Navigating Through Disaster: Application of Oncology Nurse Navigator Competencies to Climate Disaster Preparation and Response. Semin Oncol Nurs 2024; 40:151581. [PMID: 38326160 DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2024.151581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The role of the oncology nurse navigator (ONN) before, during, and after a climate disaster is critical to ensuring that individuals with cancer continue to receive the necessary care and support. The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the essential role of the ONN by highlighting the application of core competencies to climate disasters. METHODS Competencies available for ONNs from the Oncology Nursing Society include coordination of care, communication, education, professional role, and expertise. International Council of Nurses (ICN) core competencies for disaster nursing include eight domains: preparation and planning, communication, incident management systems, safety and security, assessment, intervention, recovery, and law and ethics. These competencies are explored for application to climate disaster preparation, mitigation, and response. RESULTS The ONN competencies and the domains of the ICN disaster nursing competencies were integrated to outline the role of the ONN in disaster preparedness and response. CONCLUSION The ONN is pivotal in maintaining the continuity of cancer care. The ONN's expertise is critical for navigating the difficulties presented by hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other extreme climate events as well as existing barriers to cancer care. The ONN's adeptness at coordinating care, communicating effectively, and tapping into community resources will transfer to a climate disaster, ensuring minimal treatment interruptions and access to necessary care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE The ONN is integral to the cancer care team in preparing and responding to climate disasters. The ONN ensures ongoing access to cancer care and advocates for the specialized care that people with cancer need. The ONS ONN Core Competencies and the ICN Disaster Competencies are applicable for developing processes and procedures to address climate disasters in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryne Wilson
- Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Minneapolis, MN.
| | | | - Erin Dickman
- Oncology Clinical Specialist, Oncology Nursing Society, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Pam Ginex
- Assistant Professor, State University of New York at Stony Brook, School of Nursing, Stony Brook, NY
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Lichter KE, Baniel CC, Do I, Medhat Y, Avula V, Nogueira LM, Bates JE, Paulsson A, Malik N, Hiatt RA, Yom SS, Mohamad O. Effects of Wildfire Events on California Radiation Oncology Clinics and Patients. Adv Radiat Oncol 2024; 9:101395. [PMID: 38304108 PMCID: PMC10831805 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2023.101395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The effect of climate-driven events, such as wildfires, on health care delivery and cancer care is a growing concern. Patients with cancer undergoing radiation therapy are particularly vulnerable to treatment interruptions, which have a direct effect on survival. We report the results of a study characterizing the effect of wildfires on radiation oncology clinics and their patients. Methods and Materials A survey of California radiation oncologists was used to evaluate emergency preparedness and the effect of wildfires on the delivery of radiation therapy services between 2017 and 2022. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's χ2 tests were performed to investigate potential relationships between provider characteristics, practice settings, and perceptions of the effect of wildfire events. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection data were employed to map the geographic distribution of wildfires to clinic locations. Results Response rate was 12.3% (51/415 radiation oncologists), representing 25% of clinics (43/176) in 41% (24/58) of California counties. Sixty-one percent (31/51) of respondents reported being affected by a wildfire, 2 of which are rural clinics (100%, 2/2) and 29 are (59%, 29/49) metropolitan practices. Of these, 18% (9/51) reported a clinic closure, and 29% (15/51) reported staffing shortages. Respondents reported effects on patients, including having to evacuate (55%, 28/51), cancel/reschedule treatments (53%, 27/51), and experiencing physical, mental, or financial hardship due to wildfires (45%, 23/51). Respondents described effects on clinical operations, including being forced to transfer patients (24%, 12/51), transportation interruptions (37%, 19/51), regional/community evacuations (35%, 18/51), and physical/mental health effects (27%, 14/51) on clinic personnel. Less than half of the respondents (47%, 24/51) reported their workplace had a wildfire emergency preparedness plan. Additionally, geographic analysis revealed that 100% (176/176) of clinics were located within 25 miles of a wildfire. Conclusions This study highlights the effects of wildfires on radiation oncology clinics and patients and underscores the need for emergency preparedness planning to minimize the consequences of such disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie E. Lichter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- The Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Claire C. Baniel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Isabelle Do
- University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Yasmeen Medhat
- University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Vennela Avula
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - James E. Bates
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Nauman Malik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Robert A. Hiatt
- The Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Sue S. Yom
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Osama Mohamad
- Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Espinel Z, Shultz JM, Aubry VP, Abraham OM, Fan Q, Crane TE, Sahar L, Nogueira LM. Protecting vulnerable patient populations from climate hazards: the role of the nation's cancer centers. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:1252-1261. [PMID: 37490548 PMCID: PMC11009498 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals diagnosed with cancer are a vulnerable population during disasters. Emergency preparedness efforts are crucial for meeting the health and safety needs of patients, health-care professionals, health-care facilities, and communities before, during, and after a disaster. Recognizing the importance of advancing emergency preparedness expertise to cancer control efforts nationwide, especially in the era of climate change, we searched National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers' websites to examine emergency preparedness information sharing and evidence of research efforts focused on disaster preparedness. Of 71 centers, 56 (78.9%) presented some emergency preparedness information, and 36 (50.7%) presented information specific to individuals diagnosed with cancer. Only 17 (23.9%) centers provided emergency preparedness information for climate-driven disasters. Informed by these data, this commentary describes an opportunity for cancer centers to lead knowledge advancement on an important aspect of climate change adaptation: disaster preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelde Espinel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - James M Shultz
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Vanina Pavia Aubry
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Omar Muñoz Abraham
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Qinjin Fan
- Surveillance and Health Equity Sciences, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Tracy E Crane
- Division of Medical Oncology, Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Liora Sahar
- Data Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Leticia M Nogueira
- Surveillance and Health Equity Sciences, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, USA
- Climate and Health Initiative, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Miami, FL, USA
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El Bairi K, Al Jarroudi O, Afqir S. Morocco earthquake: mitigating the impact on patients with cancer. Lancet 2023; 402:1323-1324. [PMID: 37776873 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02019-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Khalid El Bairi
- National Community Oncology Dispensing Association, Cazenovia, NY, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Oujda, Morocco; Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed I University, Oujda 60050, Morocco.
| | - Ouissam Al Jarroudi
- National Community Oncology Dispensing Association, Cazenovia, NY, USA; Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed I University, Oujda 60050, Morocco
| | - Said Afqir
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Oujda, Morocco; Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed I University, Oujda 60050, Morocco
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Kitamura Y, Nakai H. Maintaining quality of life and care for cancer survivors experiencing disaster disruptions: a review of the literature. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:701. [PMID: 37495955 PMCID: PMC10373278 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11191-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Disasters caused by natural phenomena are increasing in frequency and devastation. The growing number of cancer survivors constitute a vulnerable population in their need for continuous and high-level care, a vulnerability that is exacerbated in the event of disasters. Although the evidence base on the needs of cancer survivors is growing, little is known about cancer care in disaster settings. Therefore, we prepared a narrative literature review that outlines existing evidence, identifies knowledge gaps, and clarifies key concepts that are central to the burgeoning area of research into the quality of care for cancer survivors through disasters. As the preponderance of available evidence stresses the importance of careful disaster planning for maintaining care services, this review also provides guidance in developing plans for how to proceed during, and in the aftermath of, disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Kitamura
- School of Nursing, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0265, Japan
| | - Hisao Nakai
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Kochi, 2751-1 Ike, Kochi, 781-8515, Japan.
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Johnson M, Parada H, Ferran K, Perez R, Calo W, Sant'Ana IDL, Ocasio LM, Mendez-Lazaro PA, Garcia SI, Tortolero-Luna G, Umpierre SA, Ortiz AP. Perceptions of preparedness, timing of cancer diagnosis, and objective emergency preparedness among gynecological cancer patients in Puerto Rico before and after Hurricane Maria. J Cancer Policy 2023; 36:100415. [PMID: 36828176 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2023.100415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated the impact of cancer diagnosis status, individual feelings of preparedness, and other covariates on objective emergency preparedness among women diagnosed with gynecological cancers before or after the 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico. METHODS This study included 240 women who were interviewed by telephone from 9/2019-11/2020. Objective emergency preparedness was assessed using a list of six items. Subjective emergency preparedness was assessed by asking the women how prepared they felt (well, somewhat, or not at all) to face an emergency. Crude and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations (odds ratios [ORs] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) between variables of interest and objective preparedness. RESULTS Before and after the hurricanes, 60% and 66% of women, respectively, were objectively prepared. Before the hurricanes, women reporting feeling well-prepared (vs. not prepared) (OR=9.31, 95%CI:3.96-21.91) and those who were diagnosed before (vs. after) the hurricanes (OR=1.71, 95%CI:0.95-3.09) were more likely to be objectively prepared. After the hurricanes, self-perceived well-preparedness (OR=2.46, 95% CI: 1.10-5.51) was positively associated with emergency preparedness when compared to feeling unprepared. CONCLUSIONS Perceptions of emergency preparedness and having a cancer diagnosis increased the likelihood of being objectively prepared for an emergency. POLICY SUMMARY This study demonstrates the need for state, territorial, and federal governments to include emergency preparedness plans for cancer patients in the Comprehensive Cancer Control plans. The study also indicates a need for cancer specific emergency preparedness information to be readily available for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Johnson
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, San Diego State University, USA.
| | - Humberto Parada
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, San Diego State University, USA; UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Karen Ferran
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, San Diego State University, USA
| | - Ramona Perez
- Center for Latin American Studies, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - William Calo
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Istoni da Luz Sant'Ana
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Liz Martínez Ocasio
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Pablo A Mendez-Lazaro
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Sandra I Garcia
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Guillermo Tortolero-Luna
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Sharee A Umpierre
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico; Department of OBGYN, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Ana Patricia Ortiz
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico; Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Miki Y, Ito K. Appropriate Health Management Considering the Vulnerability of Women during Disasters. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2022; 256:187-195. [DOI: 10.1620/tjem.256.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Miki
- Disaster Obstetrics and Gynecology Lab, International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University
| | - Kiyoshi Ito
- Disaster Obstetrics and Gynecology Lab, International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University
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10
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Sherratt S. What are the implications of climate change for speech and language therapists? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2021; 56:215-227. [PMID: 33258529 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emerging global issue of climate change has large-scale effects on health and well-being, including communication disorders. The broad range of the speech and language therapy profession's scope of practice incorporates prevention, advocacy and equality in service delivery. These act as a springboard for involvement in climate change and health. AIMS This is an appeal to speech and language therapists (SLTs) to focus and take action on this issue and its considerable effects on communication and swallowing disorders. METHODS & PROCEDURES This article discusses the importance of taking a public health position on prevention and equality of services to manage environmental determinants of communication and swallowing disorders. It also describes the extent to which climate change affects these disorders and exacerbates the inequality of healthcare services in low- and middle-income countries. MAIN CONTRIBUTION Five strategies are provided for action on fulfilling therapists' roles in reducing the incidence, development and exacerbation of climate-related communication and swallowing disorders, as well as the role of SLTs in acting as advocates. The case is made for expanding the scope of services to focus on prevention and service equality so as to best meet the needs of the wider community. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS Despite other challenges currently facing SLTs, climate change and its increasing effects on communication disorders and dysphagia is difficult to ignore. SLTs owe it to their clients, the wider community, low- and middle-income countries, the economy, and the future to take action. What this paper adds What is already known on the subject Multiple studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals show that climate change is extremely likely to be due to human activities. The global effects will be higher temperatures, changes in precipitation, more droughts and heatwaves, stronger and more intense hurricanes, and a rising sea level which directly threaten the health of entire populations. Other health professions are beginning to take climate change into account in training and practice. What this paper adds to existing knowledge Many disorders of communication and swallowing are caused or exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Increasing temperatures, extremes of precipitation, population displacement and air pollution contribute to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, respiratory disease, malnutrition, premature birth, air- and water-borne diseases, and mental illness. These may affect the communication and swallowing abilities across the lifespan, but particularly those of children and older adults. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? SLTs' roles in prevention, advocacy and education act as a starting point for involvement in climate change and health. Three practical strategies for action include educating SLTs and other health professionals on climate change and its effects on communication and swallowing, promoting awareness with clients and their families, and gathering and disseminating reliable data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Sherratt
- Communication Research Australia, Rankin Park, NSW, Australia
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11
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Broom A, Kenny K, Page A, Cort N, Lipp ES, Tan AC, Ashley DM, Walsh KM, Khasraw M. The Paradoxical Effects of COVID-19 on Cancer Care: Current Context and Potential Lasting Impacts. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:5809-5813. [PMID: 32816894 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-2989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has fundamentally disrupted the practice of oncology, shifting care onto virtual platforms, rearranging the logistics and economics of running a successful clinical practice and research, and in some contexts, redefining what treatments patients with cancer should and can receive. Since the start of the pandemic in early 2020, there has been considerable emphasis placed on the implications for patients with cancer in terms of their vulnerability to the virus and potential exposure in healthcare settings. But little emphasis has been placed on the significant, and potentially enduring, consequences of COVID-19 for how cancer care is delivered. In this article, we outline the importance of a focus on the effects of COVID-19 for oncology practice during and potentially after the pandemic, focusing on key shifts that are already evident, including: the pivot to online consultations, shifts in access to clinical trial and definitions of "essential care," the changing economics of practice, and the potential legacy effects of rapidly implemented changes in cancer care. COVID-19 is reshaping oncology practice, clinical trials, and delivery of cancer care broadly, and these changes might endure well beyond the short- to mid-term of the active pandemic. Therefore, shifts in practice brought about by the pandemic must be accompanied by improved training and awareness, enhanced infrastructure, and evidence-based support if they are to harness the positives and offset the potential negative consequences of the impacts of COVID-19 on cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Broom
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine Kenny
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander Page
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Cort
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Eric S Lipp
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Aaron C Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - David M Ashley
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kyle M Walsh
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mustafa Khasraw
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. .,Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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