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Shojaei D, Bakos B, Loree J, Mah A, So A, McGahan C, Phang TP, Brown CJ. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Access to Cancer Surgery: Analysis of Surgical Wait Times in British Columbia, Canada. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2023; 17:e565. [PMID: 38131186 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.223] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread, efforts were made to preserve resources for the anticipated surge of COVID-19 patients in British Columbia, Canada. However, the relationship between COVID-19 hospitalizations and access to cancer surgery is unclear. In this project, we analyze the impact of COVID-19 patient volumes on wait time for cancer surgery. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study using population-based datasets of regional surgical wait times and COVID-19 patient volumes. Weekly median wait times for urgent, nonurgent, cancer, and noncancer surgeries, and maximum volumes of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were studied. The results were qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS A sustained association between weekly median wait time for priority and other cancer surgeries and increase hospital COVID-19 patient volumes was not qualitatively discernable. In response to the first phase of COVID-19 patient volumes, relative to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, wait time were shortened for urgent cancer surgery but increased for nonurgent surgeries. During the second phase, for all diagnostic groups, wait times returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. During the third phase, wait times for all surgeries increased. CONCLUSION Cancer surgery access may have been influenced by other factors, such as policy directives and local resource issues, independent of hospitalized COVID-19 patient volumes. The initial access limitations gradually improved with provincial and institutional resilience, and vaccine rollout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaram Shojaei
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Jonathan Loree
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Allison Mah
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alan So
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Terry P Phang
- Department of Surgery, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carl James Brown
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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De Santis KK, Helmer S, Barnes B, Kraywinkel K, Imhoff M, Müller-Eberstein R, Kirstein M, Quatmann A, Simke J, Stiens L, Christianson L, Zeeb H. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncological care in Germany: rapid review. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14329-14340. [PMID: 37507594 PMCID: PMC10590309 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05063-9] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic affected medical care for chronic diseases. This study aimed to systematically assess the pandemic impact on oncological care in Germany using a rapid review. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, study and preprint registries and study bibliographies were searched for studies published between 2020 and 2 November 2022. Inclusion was based on the PCC framework: population (cancer), concept (oncological care) and context (COVID-19 pandemic in Germany). Studies were selected after title/abstract and full-text screening by two authors. Extracted data were synthesized using descriptive statistics or narratively. Risk of bias was assessed and summarized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Overall, 77 records (59 peer-reviewed studies and 18 reports) with administrative, cancer registry and survey data were included. Disruptions in oncological care were reported and varied according to pandemic-related factors (e.g., pandemic stage) and other (non-pandemic) factors (e.g., care details). During higher restriction periods fewer consultations and non-urgent surgeries, and delayed diagnosis and screening were consistently reported. Heterogeneous results were reported for treatment types other than surgery (e.g., psychosocial care) and aftercare, while ongoing care remained mostly unchanged. The risk of bias was on average moderate. CONCLUSIONS Disruptions in oncological care were reported during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Such disruptions probably depended on factors that were insufficiently controlled for in statistical analyses and evidence quality was on average only moderate. Research focus on patient outcomes (e.g., longer term consequences of disruptions) and pandemic management by healthcare systems is potentially relevant for future pandemics or health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Karolina De Santis
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Helmer
- Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Barnes
- German Center for Cancer Registry Data, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Kraywinkel
- German Center for Cancer Registry Data, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Berlin, Germany
| | - Maren Imhoff
- German Center for Cancer Registry Data, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Mathia Kirstein
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Anna Quatmann
- Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Julia Simke
- Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Lisa Stiens
- Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Lara Christianson
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
- Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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Layer JP, Layer K, Sarria GR, Röhner F, Dejonckheere CS, Friker LL, Zeyen T, Koch D, Scafa D, Leitzen C, Köksal M, Schmeel FC, Schäfer N, Landsberg J, Hölzel M, Herrlinger U, Schneider M, Giordano FA, Schmeel LC. Five-Fraction Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases-A Retrospective Analysis. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:1300-1313. [PMID: 36826062 PMCID: PMC9955428 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30020101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the safety and outcome profile of five-fraction stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) for brain metastases (BM), either as a definitive or adjuvant treatment. METHODS We assessed clinical data of patients receiving five fractions of 7 Gy each (cumulative physical dose of 35 Gy) to BM or surgical cavities. The primary endpoints were toxicity and radiation necrosis (RN) rates. Secondary endpoints were 1-year cumulative local control rate (LCR) and estimated overall survival (OS). RESULTS A total of 36 eligible patients receiving FSRT to a total of 49 targets were identified and included. The median follow up was 9 (1.1-56.2) months. The median age was 64.5 (34-92) years, the median ECOG score was 1, and the median Diagnostic-Specific Graded Prognostic Assessment (DS-GPA) score was 2. Treatment was well tolerated and there were no grade 3 adverse events or higher. The overall RN rate was 14.3% and the median time to RN was 12.9 (1.8-23.8) months. RN occurrence was associated with immunotherapy, young age (≤45 years), and large PTV. The cumulative 1-year local control rate was 83.1% and the estimated median local progression free-survival was 18.8 months. The estimated median overall survival was 11 (1.1-56.2) months and significantly superior in those patients presenting with RN. CONCLUSIONS FSRT with 5 × 7 Gy represents a feasible, safe, and efficient fast track approach of intensified FSRT with acceptable LC and comparable RN rates for both the adjuvant and definitive RT settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian P. Layer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Katharina Layer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Gustavo R. Sarria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Fred Röhner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Cas S. Dejonckheere
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Lea L. Friker
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Zeyen
- Division of Clinical Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - David Koch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Davide Scafa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christina Leitzen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Mümtaz Köksal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Niklas Schäfer
- Division of Clinical Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jennifer Landsberg
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulrich Herrlinger
- Division of Clinical Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Schneider
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank A. Giordano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Leonard Christopher Schmeel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Mulla Z, Hashem RM, AlMohamad A, Weber A, Habibullah H, Abdulmoula G, Mohiuddin MG, Ujaimi R. Effect of Body Mass Factors on Setup Displacement in Gynecological Tumors and Subsequent Impact on PTV Margins. Adv Radiat Oncol 2022; 8:101108. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2022.101108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Piras A, Venuti V, D’Aviero A, Cusumano D, Pergolizzi S, Daidone A, Boldrini L. Covid-19 and radiotherapy: a systematic review after 2 years of pandemic. Clin Transl Imaging 2022; 10:611-630. [PMID: 35910079 PMCID: PMC9308500 DOI: 10.1007/s40336-022-00513-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Following the Covid-19 pandemic spread, changes in clinical practice were necessary to limit the pandemic diffusion. Also, oncological practice has undergone changes with radiotherapy (RT) treatments playing a key role.Although several experiences have been published, the aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence after 2 years of pandemic to provide useful conclusions for clinicians. Methods A Pubmed/MEDLINE and Embase systematic review was conducted. The search strategy was "Covid AND Radiotherapy" and only original articles in the English language were considered. Results A total of 2.733 papers were obtained using the mentioned search strategy. After the complete selection process, a total of 281 papers were considered eligible for the analysis of the results. Discussion RT has played a key role in Covid-19 pandemic as it has proved more resilient than surgery and chemotherapy. The impact of the accelerated use of hypofractionated RT and telemedicine will make these strategies central also in the post-pandemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Piras
- Radioterapia Oncologica, Villa Santa Teresa, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Venuti
- Radioterapia Oncologica, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea D’Aviero
- Radiation Oncology, Mater Olbia Hospital, Olbia, Sassari Italy
| | | | - Stefano Pergolizzi
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Luca Boldrini
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, UOC Radioterapia Oncologica - Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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Associations between the COVID-19 Pandemic and Hospital Infrastructure Adaptation and Planning—A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138195. [PMID: 35805855 PMCID: PMC9266736 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has put unprecedented pressure on the hospital sector around the world. It has shown the importance of preparing and planning in the future for an outbreak that overwhelms every aspect of a hospital on a rapidly expanding scale. We conducted a scoping review to identify, map, and systemize existing knowledge about the relationships between COVID-19 and hospital infrastructure adaptation and capacity planning worldwide. We searched the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed and hand-searched gray papers published in English between December 2019 and December 2021. A total of 106 papers were included: 102 empirical studies and four technical reports. Empirical studies entailed five reviews, 40 studies focusing on hospital infrastructure adaptation and planning during the pandemics, and 57 studies on modeling the hospital capacity needed, measured mostly by the number of beds. The majority of studies were conducted in high-income countries and published within the first year of the pandemic. The strategies adopted by hospitals can be classified into short-term (repurposing medical and non-medical buildings, remote adjustments, and establishment of de novo structures) and long-term (architectural and engineering modifications, hospital networks, and digital approaches). More research is needed, focusing on specific strategies and the quality assessment of the evidence.
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Wilson C, Romaniuk H, Orellana L, White V, Foroudi F, Livingston PM. Failure to attend radiation oncology appointments during COVID-19: Analysis of data from an Australian public hospital. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2022; 66:874-880. [PMID: 35590470 PMCID: PMC9347579 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Introduction COVID‐19 has impacted lives worldwide. Public health guidance has advocated for minimisation of infection risk by encouraging social isolation and physical distancing. In response, many health services have changed delivery practices to increased use of telehealth. We undertook an audit of hospital attendance data collected from a radiation oncology service in a large public hospital in Victoria, Australia between January and September in 2019, and the same period in 2020. The aim was to discern the impact of COVID‐19 on attendance at appointments and whether attendance rates differed by appointment type. Methods Attendance data and appointment type for the two targeted periods (a total of 62,528 appointments for 3383 patients) were extracted from the database maintained by the radiation oncology service. Logistic generalised estimating equation (GEE) models were run with the final model including the COVID‐19 period (pre, during) and all patient and appointment characteristics. Results Results indicated a small decrease in attendance in 2020 (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.01–1.25, P = 0.026) with this predominantly reported for the non‐treatment appointments, which consisted of follow‐up appointments, nurse appointments, and treatment review appointments. Conclusion Attendance for radiation oncology treatment was largely unaffected by COVID‐19 although other services experienced slight reductions. Changes to work practices, specifically the increased use of telehealth, may have moderated the impact. Given the focus on one service in one location, it is not possible to generalise these results and future research should closely monitor both patient and staff satisfaction with services delivered via modified processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlene Wilson
- ONJ Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helena Romaniuk
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lilliana Orellana
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Victoria White
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Farshad Foroudi
- Radiation Oncology, Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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Murphy A, Kirby A, Lawlor A, Drummond FJ, Heavin C. Mitigating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adult Cancer Patients through Telehealth Adoption: A Systematic Review. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22093598. [PMID: 35591287 PMCID: PMC9105995 DOI: 10.3390/s22093598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of life-saving and life-prolonging health services for oncology care and supporting services was delayed and, in some cases, completely halted, as national health services globally shifted their attention and resources towards the pandemic response. Prior to March 2020, telehealth was starting to change access to health services. However, the onset of the global pandemic may mark a tipping point for telehealth adoption in healthcare delivery. We conducted a systematic review of literature published between January 2020 and March 2021 examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adult cancer patients. The review's inclusion criteria focused on the economic, social, health, and psychological implications of COVID-19 on cancer patients and the availability of telehealth services emerged as a key theme. The studies reviewed revealed that the introduction of new telehealth services or the expansion of existing telehealth occurred to support and enable the continuity of oncology and related services during this extraordinary period. Our analysis points to several strengths and weaknesses associated with telehealth adoption and use amongst this cohort. Evidence indicates that while telehealth is not a panacea, it can offer a "bolstering" solution during a time of disruption to patients' access to essential cancer diagnostic, treatment, and aftercare services. The innovative use of telehealth has created opportunities to reimagine the delivery of healthcare services beyond COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Murphy
- Department of Economics, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, T12 CY82 Cork, Ireland; (A.M.); (A.K.); (A.L.)
| | - Ann Kirby
- Department of Economics, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, T12 CY82 Cork, Ireland; (A.M.); (A.K.); (A.L.)
| | - Amy Lawlor
- Department of Economics, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, T12 CY82 Cork, Ireland; (A.M.); (A.K.); (A.L.)
| | | | - Ciara Heavin
- Department of Business Information Systems, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, T12 CY82 Cork, Ireland
- Correspondence:
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Coronavirus disease 2019 and radiation oncology-survey on the impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic on health care professionals in radiation oncology. Strahlenther Onkol 2022; 198:346-353. [PMID: 35195733 PMCID: PMC8864974 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-022-01903-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Background The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has changed the lives of most humans worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic on health care professionals (HCPs) in radiation oncology facilities. Methods We distributed an online survey to HCPs in radiation oncology (physicians, medical physics experts, radiology assistants/radiation therapists, nurses, and administrative personnel). The survey was completed by 334 participants between May 23 and June 9, 2020. Results In 66.2% of the cases, HCPs reported a shortage of protective clothing. The protective measures were regarded as very reasonable by 47.4%, while 0.8% regarded them as not reasonable (rather reasonable: 44.0%; less reasonable 7.8%). 29.0% of the participants had children who needed care. The most frequently used care options were public emergency childcare (36.1%) and private childcare (e.g. relatives/friends). HCPs reported about additional work burden (fully agreed: 27.2%, rather agreed: 34.4%, less agreed: 28.2%, not agreed: 10.2%), and reduced work satisfaction (fully agreed: 11.7%, rather agreed: 29.6%, less agreed: 39.8%, not agreed: 18.9%). 12.9% and 29.0% of the participants were fully or rather mentally strained (less mentally strained: 44.0%, not mentally strained: 14.1%). Conclusion We must learn from this pandemic how to prepare for further outbreaks and similar conditions. This includes the vast availability of protective clothing and efficient tracing of infection chains among the HCPs, but also secured childcare programs and experienced mental health support are crucial. Further, work satisfaction and appreciation by employers is essential. Supplementary Information The online version of this article (10.1007/s00066-022-01903-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Patient Throughput Initiatives in Ambulatory Care Organizations during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9111474. [PMID: 34828520 PMCID: PMC8624418 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9111474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Ambulatory (outpatient) health care organizations continue to respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic using an array of initiatives to provide a continuity of care for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. The purpose of this study is to systematically identify the facilitators and barriers experienced by outpatient health care organizations in an effort to maintain effective and efficient patient throughput during the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study systematically reviewed articles focused on initiatives taken by ambulatory care organizations to maintain optimal outpatient throughput levels while balancing pandemic precautions, published during 2020. RESULTS Among the 30 articles that met the inclusion criteria, three initiatives healthcare organizations have taken to maintain throughput were identified: the use (and enhanced use) of telehealth, protocol development, and health care provider training. The research team also identified three barriers to patient throughput: lack of telehealth, lack of resources, and overall lack of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS To maintain patient throughput during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare organizations need to develop strategies such as the use of virtual consultation and follow-up, new guidelines to move patients along the care delivery value-chain, and ongoing training of providers. Additionally, the availability of required technology for telehealth, availability of resources, and adequate knowledge are vital for continuous patient throughput to ensure continuity of care during a pandemic.
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Risk stratification by anamnesis increases SARS-CoV-2 test efficiency in cancer patients. Strahlenther Onkol 2021; 198:354-360. [PMID: 34618171 PMCID: PMC8494759 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-021-01853-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the impact of testing asymptomatic cancer patients, we analyzed all tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) before and during radiotherapy at a tertiary cancer center throughout the second wave of the pandemic in Germany. Methods Results of all real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for SARS-CoV‑2 performed at our radio-oncology department between 13 October 2020 and 11 March 2021 were included. Clinical data and anamnestic information at the time of testing were documented and examined for (i) the presence of COVID-19-related symptoms and (ii) virus-related anamnesis (high-risk [prior positive test or contact to a positive tested person within the last 14 days] or low-risk [inconspicuous anamnesis within the last 14 days]). Results A total of 1056 SARS-CoV‑2 tests in 543 patients were analyzed. Of those, 1015 tests were performed in asymptomatic patients and 41 tests in patients with COVID-19-associated symptoms. Two of 940 (0.2%) tests in asymptomatic patients with low-risk anamnesis and three of 75 (4.0%) tests in asymptomatic patients with high-risk anamnesis showed a positive result. For symptomatic patients, SARS-CoV‑2 was detected in three of 36 (8.3%) low-risk and three of five (60.0%) high-risk tests. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the correlation between individual risk factors and positivity rates of SARS-CoV‑2 tests in cancer patients. The data demonstrate that clinical and anamnestic assessment is a simple and effective measure to distinctly increase SARS-CoV‑2 test efficiency. This might enable cancer centers to adjust test strategies in asymptomatic patients, especially when test resources are scarce. Supplementary Information The online version of this article (10.1007/s00066-021-01853-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Liontos M, Kastritis E, Markellos C, Migkou M, Eleftherakis-Papaiakovou E, Koutsoukos K, Gavriatopoulou M, Zagouri F, Psaltopoulou T, Terpos E, Dimopoulos MA. Continuing Cancer Therapy through the Pandemic While Protecting Our Patients: Results of the Implementation of Preventive Strategies in a Referral Oncology Unit. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:763. [PMID: 33673120 PMCID: PMC7918613 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 have worse outcomes, including higher morbidity and mortality than the general population. Protecting this vulnerable group of patients from COVID-19 is of the utmost importance for the continuous operation of an oncology unit. Preventive strategies have been proposed by various societies, and centers around the world have implemented these or modified measures; however, the efficacy of these measures has not been evaluated. In our center, a referral oncology/hematology unit in Athens, Greece, we implemented strict protective measures from the outset of the pandemic in the country and we have prospectively recorded the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19. Among 11,618 patient visits performed in our unit, 26 patients (case-to-visit ratio of 0.22%) were found positive for SARS-CoV-2, including 4 (1%) among 392 patients that were screened before starting primary systemic treatment. Among patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 22 were symptomatic at the time of diagnosis; subsequently, 12 required hospitalization and 5 died due to COVID-19. Detailed contact tracing indicated that there was no in-unit transmission of the infection. Thus, strict implementation of multilevel protective strategies along with a modestly intense screening program allowed us to continue cancer care in our unit through the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Liontos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens 11528, Greece; (E.K.); (C.M.); (M.M.); (E.E.-P.); (K.K.); (M.G.); (F.Z.); (T.P.); (E.T.); (M.-A.D.)
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