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Tsagkaris C, Trygonis N, Spyrou V, Koulouris A. Telemedicine in Care of Sarcoma Patients beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3700. [PMID: 37509361 PMCID: PMC10378403 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143700] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has created a challenging environment for sarcoma patients. Most oncology societies published guidelines or recommendations prioritizing sarcoma patients and established telehealth as an efficient method of approaching them. The aim of this review is the assessment of current evidence regarding the utilization of telemedicine in diagnosis, treatment modalities, telerehabilitation and satisfaction among sarcoma patients and healthcare providers (HP). METHODS This systematic review was carried out using the databases PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). RESULTS The application of telemedicine to the management of sarcoma has yielded improved clinical and psychological outcomes. Specifically, significant progress has been demonstrated in the areas of tele-oncology and telerehabilitation during the last decade, and the COVID-19 outbreak has accelerated this transition toward them. Telehealth has been proven efficient in a wide spectrum of applications from consultations on physical therapy and psychological support to virtual care symptom management. Both HP and patients reported satisfaction with telehealth services at levels comparable to in-person visits. CONCLUSIONS Telehealth has already unveiled many opportunities in tailoring individualized care, and its role in the management of sarcoma patients has been established in the post-COVID-19 era, as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Tsagkaris
- European Student Think Tank, Public Health and Policy Working Group, 1058 DE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nikolaos Trygonis
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital of Heraklion, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Spyrou
- Post Covid Department, Theme Female Health, Karolinska University Hospital, 14157 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Koulouris
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
- Thoracic Oncology Center, Theme Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
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2
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Cigarini F, Daolio J, Caviola G, Pellegri C, Cavuto S, Guberti M, Mazzini E, Cerullo L. Impact of COVID-19 on cancer care pathways in a comprehensive cancer center in northern Italy. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1187912. [PMID: 37333533 PMCID: PMC10275360 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1187912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic burdened health care systems worldwide. Health services were reorganized with the dual purpose of ensuring the most adequate continuity of care and, simultaneously, the safety of patients and health professionals. The provision of care to patients within cancer care pathways (cCPs) was not touched by such reorganization. We investigated whether the quality of care provided by a local comprehensive cancer center has been maintained using cCP indicators. A retrospective single-cancer center study was conducted on eleven cCPs from 2019 to 2021 by comparing three timeliness indicators, five care indicators and three outcome indicators yearly calculated on incident cases. Comparisons of indicators between 2019 and 2020, and 2019 and 2021, were performed to assess the performance of cCP function during the pandemic. Indicators displayed heterogeneous significant changes attributed to all cCPs over the study period, affecting eight (72%), seven (63%) and ten (91%) out of eleven cCPs in the comparison between 2019 and 2020, 2020 and 2021, and 2019 and 2021, respectively. The most relevant changes were attributed to a negative increase in time-to-treatment surgery-related indicators and to a positive increase in the number of cases discussed by cCP team members. No variations were found attributed to outcome indicators. Significant changes did not account for clinical relevance once discussed by cCP managers and team members. Our experience demonstrated that the CP model constitutes an appropriate tool for providing high levels of quality care, even in the most critical health situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cigarini
- Quality and Accreditation Office, Medical Directorate, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Jessica Daolio
- Quality and Accreditation Office, Medical Directorate, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giada Caviola
- Quality and Accreditation Office, Medical Directorate, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pellegri
- Quality and Accreditation Office, Medical Directorate, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Silvio Cavuto
- Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit, S.C. Infrastructure, Research and Statistics, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Monica Guberti
- Health Professions Department, Research and EBP Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzini
- Medical Directorate Hospital Network, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Loredana Cerullo
- Quality and Accreditation Office, Medical Directorate, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Onesti CE, Vari S, Minghelli D, Nardozza F, Rossi B, Sperati F, Checcucci E, Faltyn W, Cercato MC, Cosimati A, Salvatori F, Biagini R, Ciliberto G, Ferraresi V, Maggi G. Quality of life and emotional distress in sarcoma patients diagnosed during COVID-19 pandemic: a supplementary analysis from the SarCorD study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1078992. [PMID: 37333608 PMCID: PMC10273400 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1078992] [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: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 outbreak had a negative psychological impact on cancer patients. In this study, we analyzed emotional distress and quality of life in patients diagnosed with sarcoma during the first year of the pandemic compared to the previous year. Methods We retrospectively enrolled patients with soft tissue, bone sarcoma, and aggressive benign musculoskeletal diseases diagnosed during the pandemic (COVID group) or the year before (control group) at the IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute in Rome. Patients who had undergone a psychological assessment with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the Distress Thermometer at diagnosis were included in the final analysis. We analyzed whether there is a difference in the various domains of quality of life between the two groups and whether there are changes over time in each group. Results We enrolled 114 patients (72 control group; 42 COVID group), affected by soft tissue (64%), bone sarcoma (29%), and aggressive benign musculoskeletal diseases (7%). We did not observe significant differences in the health-related quality of life domains in the control and COVID groups, except for the financial domain (p = 0.039), with 9.7% vs. 23.8% of patients with a score > 0 in the control and COVID groups, respectively. We observed emotional distress at diagnosis in 48.6% of patients in the control group vs. 69.0% in the COVID group (p = 0.034). In the control group, we observed an improvement in physical function (p = 0.043) and in QoL (p = 0.022), while in the COVID group, we observed a deterioration in role function (p = 0.044) during follow-up. In the COVID group, 22.2% of patients were concerned about COVID-19, 61.1% by tumor, 91.1% stated that the pandemic worsened their subjective perception of cancer, and 19.4% perceived that their quality of care had worsened. Conclusion We observed a higher level of distress among patients diagnosed during the pandemic compared to the year before, probably due to the increased concern for both infection and cancer, the worsened perception of health status, and the perception of a poorer quality of health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Elisa Onesti
- Sarcomas and Rare Tumors Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Vari
- Sarcomas and Rare Tumors Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Denise Minghelli
- Psychology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Nardozza
- UOSD Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Rossi
- Oncological Orthopaedics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Sperati
- UOSD Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Checcucci
- Epidemiology and Tumor Registry Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Wioletta Faltyn
- Oncological Orthopaedics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cecilia Cercato
- Digital Library “R. Maceratini”, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Cosimati
- Sarcomas and Rare Tumors Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Salvatori
- Sarcomas and Rare Tumors Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Biagini
- Oncological Orthopaedics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Ferraresi
- Sarcomas and Rare Tumors Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Maggi
- Psychology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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Teleoncology: A Solution for Everyone? A Single-Center Experience with Telemedicine during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:8565-8578. [PMID: 36421328 PMCID: PMC9689494 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29110675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telehealth was rapidly implemented without previous evidence. The ONCOTELEMD study aimed to evaluate the opinion of patients attended via telemedicine during this period and to study factors that condition patient preferences on its use. Included patients had a confirmed cancer diagnosis and were contacted by telephone between 13 March and 30 April 2020, in the Medical Oncology Service of Hospital Parc Taulí, Sabadell. A 12-question survey was presented to them between 4 February and 19 April 2021. Statistical analysis was carried out using chi-square and multivariable logistic regression tests. Six hundred forty-six patients were included; 487 responded to the survey. The median age was 68 years (27-90), 55.2% were female. Most patients had a surveillance visit (65.3%) and were diagnosed with colorectal or breast cancer (43% and 26.5%, respectively); 91.8% of patients were satisfied, and 60% would accept the use of telemedicine beyond the pandemic. Patients aged more than 50 years (OR 0.40; 95% CI, 0.19-0.81; p = 0.01) and diagnosed with breast cancer (OR 0.45; 95% CI, 0.26-0.69; p < 0.001) were less predisposed to adopt telehealth in the future. Patients agreed to be informed via telehealth of scan or lab results (62% and 84%, respectively) but not of new oral or endovenous treatments (52% and 33.5%, respectively). Additionally, 75% of patients had a medium or low-null technologic ability, and 51.3% would only use the telephone or video call to contact health professionals. However, differences were found according to age groups (p < 0.0001). In total, patients surveyed were satisfied with telemedicine and believed telehealth could have a role following the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, our results remark on the importance of individualizing the use of telehealth, showing relevant data on patient preferences and digital literacy.
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Di Cosimo S, Susca N, Apolone G, Silvestris N, Racanelli V. The worldwide impact of COVID-19 on cancer care: A meta-analysis of surveys published after the first wave of the pandemic. Front Oncol 2022; 12:961380. [PMID: 36249038 PMCID: PMC9556993 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.961380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The rapid and global spread of COVID-19 posed a massive challenge to healthcare systems, which came across the need to provide high-intensity assistance to thousands of patients suffering from SARS-CoV-2 infection while assuring continuous care for all other diseases. This has been of particular importance in the oncology field. This study explores how oncology centers responded to the pandemic at a single center level by assessing surveys addressing different aspects of cancer care after the pandemic outbreak. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the cancer care surveys published until December 11th, 2020. Data were analyzed according to three main areas of interest, namely health care organization, including cancellation/delay and/or modification of scheduled treatments, cancellation/delay of outpatient visits, and reduction of overall cancer care activities; routine use of preventive measures, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) by both patients and health care workers, and systematic SARS-CoV-2 screening by nasopharyngeal swabs; and implementation of telemedicine through remote consultations. Findings Fifty surveys reporting data on 9150 providers from 121 countries on 5 continents were included. Cancellation/delay of treatment occurred in 58% of centers; delay of outpatient visits in 75%; changes in treatment plans in 65%; and a general reduction in clinical activity in 58%. Routine use of PPE by patients and healthcare personnel was reported by 81% and 80% of centers, respectively; systematic SARS-CoV-2 screening by nasopharyngeal swabs was reported by only 41% of centers. Virtual visits were implemented by the majority (72%) of centers. Interpretation These results describe the negative impact of COVID-19 on cancer care, the rapid response of cancer centers in terms of preventive measures and alternative treatment approaches such as telemedicine, and confirm that surveys can provide the valuable, low-cost and immediate information that critical situations require.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Di Cosimo
- Platform of Integrated Biology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Susca
- School of Medicine: Interdisciplinary of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Apolone
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- School of Medicine: Interdisciplinary of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Vito Racanelli,
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Onesti CE, Vari S, Nardozza F, Maggi G, Minghelli D, Rossi B, Sperati F, Checcucci E, Faltyn W, Cercato MC, Cosimati A, Biagini R, Ciliberto G, Ferraresi V. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diagnosis and treatment of patients with soft tissue and bone sarcomas or aggressive benign musculoskeletal diseases: A single-center retrospective study (SarCorD study). Front Oncol 2022; 12:1000056. [PMID: 36249051 PMCID: PMC9559379 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rapid reorganization of healthcare activities, leading to reduced access to clinics, interruption of screenings, and treatment schedule modifications in several cancer types. Few data are available on sarcomas. We analyzed COVID-19-related diagnostic delay in a sarcoma referral center in Italy. Methods We retrospectively enrolled in this study patients with histological diagnosis of soft tissue or bone sarcoma and aggressive benign musculoskeletal diseases obtained during the first year of the pandemic (Covid group) or the year before (Control group) and followed at the Regina Elena National Cancer Institute in Rome. The primary endpoint was the time from the first symptom to histological diagnosis. Results We evaluated 372 patients, 185 of whom were eligible for primary endpoint analysis (92 patients in the Control group and 93 patients in the Covid group). The patients were affected by soft tissue sarcoma in most cases (63.0% and 66.7% in Covid and Control groups, respectively). We observed a diagnostic delay in the Covid group with a median time from the first symptom to the definitive histological diagnosis of 103.00 days (95% CI 92.77–113.23) vs. 90.00 days (95% CI 69.49–110.51) in the Control group (p = 0.024), but not a delay in treatment beginning (151 days, 95% CI 132.9–169.1 vs. 144 days, 95% CI 120.3–167.7, respectively, p = 0.208). No differences in stage at diagnosis were observed (12% vs. 16.5% of patients with metastatic disease at diagnosis in the Covid and Control groups, respectively, p = 0.380). Progression-free survival (p = 0.897) and overall survival (p = 0.725) were comparable in the subgroup of patients affected by soft tissue sarcoma. Conclusions A delay in sarcoma diagnosis but not in starting treatment has been observed during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, no difference in stage at diagnosis or in terms of survival has been observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Elisa Onesti
- Sarcomas and Rare Tumors Unit, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Vari
- Sarcomas and Rare Tumors Unit, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sabrina Vari,
| | - Francesca Nardozza
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale (UOSD) Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Maggi
- Psychology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Denise Minghelli
- Psychology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Rossi
- Oncological Orthopaedics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Sperati
- UOSD Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Checcucci
- Epidemiology and Tumor Registry Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Wioletta Faltyn
- Oncological Orthopaedics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cecilia Cercato
- Epidemiology and Tumor Registry Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Cosimati
- Sarcomas and Rare Tumors Unit, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Biagini
- Oncological Orthopaedics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Ferraresi
- Sarcomas and Rare Tumors Unit, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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Tagliamento M, Poggio F, Perachino M, Pirrone C, Fregatti P, Lambertini M. The evolving scenario of cancer care provision across the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2022; 16:110-116. [PMID: 35929557 PMCID: PMC9451604 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Over the past 2 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has had short-term and long-term effects on the delivery of cancer care. Some European countries faced an unprecedented widespread crisis during the first year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, only being able afterwards to gradually recover, thanks to the improvement in preventive measures, changes in public health and reactive processes in cancer care and a better understanding of the ongoing heath emergency. RECENT FINDINGS The development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and COVID-19 specific treatments, the growing testing and tracking capability to limit virus diffusion, and research efforts to better define areas of action have all greatly limited the negative impact of the health emergency on routine cancer care.The need to protect those more vulnerable and to ensure continuity of care for oncology patients has been balanced across the pandemic, with the aim to guarantee an optimal standard of care. SUMMARY This article aims to provide an overview on the evolving scenario of cancer care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, focusing on the particular features that characterized the pandemic course as well as the main differences that were observed across it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Tagliamento
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Poggio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Marta Perachino
- Department of Medical Oncology, U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Pirrone
- Department of Medical Oncology, U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Piero Fregatti
- Department of Surgery, UOC Clinica di Chirurgia Senologica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostic (DISC), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology, U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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Stoorvogel H, van Haastregt J, Theunissen M, Schoenmaekers J, Hoeben A, van den Beuken-van Everdingen M. Unacceptable pain in oncology: The patients' perspective on reasons for absence of pain interventions. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2022; 31:e13628. [PMID: 35662290 PMCID: PMC9541915 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13628] [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: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective Around 40% of oncology patients receive inadequate pain treatment. A previous study reported pain interventions for only 70% of patients who reported unacceptable pain at the self‐service registration desk. The aim of this study is to gain insight in reasons for the absence of pain intervention among oncology patients who reported unacceptable pain. Methods In this mixed methods study, 20 patients visiting the oncology outpatient clinic were selected via patient record assessment and interviewed about their perceived reasons for absence of pain intervention. Results The reasons mentioned by the patients for absence of pain intervention included reluctance of the patient to discuss pain, no treatment preferred by the patient, focus of the physician on treatment of the disease, pain treatment difficult or impossible, and the perception that pain is an inevitable consequence of the cancer treatment. Almost 50% of the patients considered the physician responsible for the absence of pain intervention. Conclusion In conclusion, a variety of reasons for absence of pain intervention are reported by patients, including patient‐related and health professional‐related reasons. Improvements can be made by promoting regular discussion of pain during hospital visits and empowerment of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hester Stoorvogel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of IQ Healthcare, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Centre of Expertise for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda van Haastregt
- Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice Theunissen
- Centre of Expertise for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Janna Schoenmaekers
- Centre of Expertise for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Pulmonary Diseases, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ann Hoeben
- Centre of Expertise for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, GROW-School for Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke van den Beuken-van Everdingen
- Centre of Expertise for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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9
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Garzillo EM, Cioffi A, Carta A, Monaco MGL. Returning to Work after the COVID-19 Pandemic Earthquake: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084538. [PMID: 35457407 PMCID: PMC9024882 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has disrupted life and work habits and has produced landmark changes worldwide. This systematic review aimed to analyse the management of Return to Work (RTW) by work organisations following the virus spread. Methods: A selection of 2477 papers, using string research on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus from January 2020 to October 2021, were analysed. Results: Fifty-one articles were finally included, and the results obtained were discussed from three different points of view. Twenty articles concerning ‘Remodelling of Work Organization’ proposed some model strategies for resumption to work. Twenty-one papers, including ‘Clinical Evaluation of Workers’, mostly explored the psychosocial impact of returned workers. Finally, twelve articles explored the best ‘Testing Strategies related to RTW’. Despite the heterogeneity of included articles, several interesting approaches have emerged in managing RTW. Conclusions: The reported experiences could help to develop an RTW model for COVID-19 and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arcangelo Cioffi
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Angela Carta
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.)
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Lourdes Monaco
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-045-8123946
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10
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Monteiro S, Fournier M, Favrod J, Drainville AL, Plessis L, Freudiger S, Skuza K, Tripalo C, Franck N, Lebas MC, Deloyer J, Wilquin H, Golay P, Rexhaj S. Ability to Care for an Ill Loved One During the First COVID-19 Lockdown: Mediators of Informal Caregivers' Stress in Europe. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:852712. [PMID: 35492725 PMCID: PMC9039127 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.852712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Informal caregivers are overlooked, healthcare actors. They are at particular risk of distress and suffer from poor mental health. This study aimed to investigate the perceived stress and modulating factors during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Europe, regardless of the illness that care recipients suffer from. Sociodemographic data, coping resources, and perceived stress level using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaire were assessed using a web-based survey in Switzerland, France, and Belgium with 232 informal caregivers. Mediation analyses were used to identify the factors that modulate stress. Higher perceived stress among informal caregivers was associated with a younger age for the care recipient, family relationship with the care recipient, cohabitation, and female sex of the informal caregiver. These associations were partially mediated by the fear of getting ill (age, cohabitation), the conviction that lockdowns had a negative impact on health (age, kinship), and the perceived deterioration of the care recipient's health (gender). The fear of losing the ability to cope with caregiving tasks due to an illness (COVID-19 and/or other) and the negative impact of the lockdown on care recipients' health, particularly on the mental health of young care recipients, increased the stress of informal caregivers. Our results emphasize the importance of informal caregiving support to prevent heightened stress in lockdown conditions, regardless of care recipient illness or kinship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadya Monteiro
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Margot Fournier
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jérôme Favrod
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Laure Drainville
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Léa Plessis
- Aix Marseille Université, LPCPP, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Sylvie Freudiger
- AVASAD, Association Vaudoise d'Aide et de Soins à Domicile Route de Chavannes, Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Krzysztof Skuza
- HESAV, School of Health Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland, Switzerland
| | - Charlene Tripalo
- Service de Psychiatrie Générale, Psychiatry Department, CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Franck
- Pôle Centre Rive Gauche et Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale et de Remédiation Cognitive, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, UMR 5229, CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Clotilde Lebas
- Département des Sciences de la Santé Publique et de la Motricité, Haute Ecole de la Province de Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | | | - Hélène Wilquin
- Aix Marseille Université, LPCPP, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Philippe Golay
- Community Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Shyhrete Rexhaj
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
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11
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Beller J, Schäfers J, Geyer S, Haier J, Epping J. Patterns of Changes in Oncological Care due to COVID-19: Results of a Survey of Oncological Nurses and Physicians from the Region of Hanover, Germany. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 10:15. [PMID: 35052179 PMCID: PMC8775491 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare staff is confronted with intensive decisional conflicts during the pandemic. Due to the specific burden of this moral distress in oncology, the investigation aimed at quantification of these conflicts and identification of risk factors that determine the extent and severity of these conflicts. We examined the heterogeneity of changes in oncology care due to COVID-19. METHODS We conducted a survey of oncological physicians and nurses in the region of Hanover, Germany in the second half of 2020. Overall, N = 200 respondents, 54% nurses, were included in the sample. Indicators of changes in oncology care were used to determine profiles of changes. To characterize these profiles, a diverse set of variables, including decision conflicts, uncertainty, age, gender, work experience, changes in communication with patients, psychological distress, work stress, process organization, and personnel resources, was obtained. Latent class analysis was conducted to determine these latent profiles. RESULTS We found that three distinct profiles best described the overall changes in oncology care due to COVID-19 in our sample, with each profile being associated with specific characteristics: (1) "Few Changes in Oncology Care" profile with 33% of participants belonging to this profile, (2) "Medium Changes in Oncology Care" profile with 43% of participants, and (3) "Severe Changes in Oncology Care" profile (24%). Participants from these profiles significantly differed regarding their age, work experience, occupational group, the prevalence of decision conflicts, decision uncertainty, quality of communication with patients, and quality of process organization. CONCLUSIONS Distinct profiles of change in oncology care due to COVID-19 can be identified. Most participants reported small to medium changes, while some participants also reported severe changes. Profiles also differed regarding their associated characteristics. As such, specific consequences for better pandemic preparedness can be derived based on the current study. Future studies should investigate the patterns of changes in routine care due to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Beller
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.B.); (J.S.); (J.E.)
- Medical Sociology Unit, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Jürgen Schäfers
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.B.); (J.S.); (J.E.)
| | - Siegfried Geyer
- Medical Sociology Unit, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Jörg Haier
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.B.); (J.S.); (J.E.)
| | - Jelena Epping
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.B.); (J.S.); (J.E.)
- Medical Sociology Unit, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
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12
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Tondo G, Aprile D, Tesser F, Comi C. Increased Prevalence of Neuropsychiatric Disorders during COVID-19 Pandemic in People Needing a Non-Deferrable Neurological Evaluation. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10215169. [PMID: 34768689 PMCID: PMC8585111 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak provoked a profound healthcare system reorganization. This study aimed to compare the reasons for requesting a non-deferrable neurological evaluation before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the lockdown. Methods: Retrospective observational study including non-deferrable neurological outpatients before the pandemic (pre-COVID-19 group, n = 223) and during the Italian second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (LOCKDOWN group, n = 318). Results: The number of patients sent for cerebrovascular disorders, headache, and vertigo significantly dropped between the pre-COVID-19 era and the lockdown period. While in the pre-COVID-19 group, the most frequent diagnosis was cerebrovascular disorder; neuropsychiatric disorders ranked first in the LOCKDOWN group. Moreover, the percentage of appropriate non-deferrable neurological evaluations significantly increased in the LOCKDOWN group compared with the pre-COVID-19 group. Discussion: Our study shows a significant increase of neuropsychiatric disorders in non-deferrable neurologic evaluations during the Italian second wave of the COVID-19. Overall, cases were more severe and required a more complex management during the lockdown compared with the pre-COVID era. These findings confirm that a careful approach to prevent the psychological consequences of the pandemic is needed, and long-term rearrangements of the healthcare system are desirable to guarantee appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Tondo
- Neurology Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Corso Abbiate 21, 13100 Vercelli, Italy; (G.T.); (F.T.)
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Aprile
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Fabiana Tesser
- Neurology Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Corso Abbiate 21, 13100 Vercelli, Italy; (G.T.); (F.T.)
| | - Cristoforo Comi
- Neurology Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Corso Abbiate 21, 13100 Vercelli, Italy; (G.T.); (F.T.)
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
- Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Correspondence:
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13
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McGrowder DA, Miller FG, Vaz K, Anderson Cross M, Anderson-Jackson L, Bryan S, Latore L, Thompson R, Lowe D, McFarlane SR, Dilworth L. The Utilization and Benefits of Telehealth Services by Health Care Professionals Managing Breast Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:1401. [PMID: 34683081 PMCID: PMC8535379 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9101401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Telehealth is the delivery of many health care services and technologies to individuals at different geographical areas and is categorized as asynchronously or synchronously. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused major disruptions in health care delivery to breast cancer (BCa) patients and there is increasing demand for telehealth services. Globally, telehealth has become an essential means of communication between patient and health care provider. The application of telehealth to the treatment of BCa patients is evolving and increasingly research has demonstrated its feasibility and effectiveness in improving clinical, psychological and social outcomes. Two areas of telehealth that have significantly grown in the past decade and particularly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic are telerehabilitation and teleoncology. These two technological systems provide opportunities at every stage of the cancer care continuum for BCa patients. We conducted a literature review that examined the use of telehealth services via its various modes of delivery among BCa patients particularly in areas of screening, diagnosis, treatment modalities, as well as satisfaction among patients and health care professionals. The advantages of telehealth models of service and delivery challenges to patients in remote areas are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donovan A. McGrowder
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (K.V.); (L.A.-J.); (L.L.); (R.T.); (D.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Fabian G. Miller
- Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education, The Mico University College, 1A Marescaux Road, Kingston 5, Jamaica;
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Kurt Vaz
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (K.V.); (L.A.-J.); (L.L.); (R.T.); (D.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Melisa Anderson Cross
- School of Allied Health and Wellness, College of Health Sciences, University of Technology, Kingston 7, Jamaica;
| | - Lennox Anderson-Jackson
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (K.V.); (L.A.-J.); (L.L.); (R.T.); (D.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Sophia Bryan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica;
| | - Lyndon Latore
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (K.V.); (L.A.-J.); (L.L.); (R.T.); (D.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Rory Thompson
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (K.V.); (L.A.-J.); (L.L.); (R.T.); (D.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Dwight Lowe
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (K.V.); (L.A.-J.); (L.L.); (R.T.); (D.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Shelly R. McFarlane
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica;
| | - Lowell Dilworth
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (K.V.); (L.A.-J.); (L.L.); (R.T.); (D.L.); (L.D.)
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14
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Onesti CE, Schroeder H, Rorive A, Sautois B, Lecocq M, Goffin M, Gonne E, Collinge A, Nicolaers L, Wéra O, Catot A, Loly C, Paulus A, Sibille A, Lousberg L, Troisfontaine F, Collignon J, Gennigens C, Frères P, Polus M, Duysinx B, Vaillant F, Marchal N, Poncin A, Jerusalem G. Oncological patients' reactions to COVID-19 pandemic: A single institution prospective study. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2021; 5:e1571. [PMID: 34636178 PMCID: PMC8646835 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1571] [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: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The spread of the COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a rapid reorganization in all human and hospital activities, with impact on cancer patients. Aim An analysis of cancer patients fears, and awareness of COVID‐19 has been done in this study. Methods and results We analyzed cancer patients' reactions to the pandemic and their perception of oncological care reorganization, through a 12‐item survey, proposed at the peak of pandemic and 3 months later. Overall, 237 patients were included in the study. During the peak of pandemic 34.6% of patients were more worried about COVID‐19 than cancer versus 26.4% in the post‐acute phase (p = .013). Although 49.8% of patients in the acute phase and 42.3% in the post‐acute phase considered their risk of death if infected ≥50%, and more than 70% of patients thought to be at higher risk of complications, the majority of them did not consider the possibility to stop or delay their treatment. Patients were more interested in following news about COVID‐19 than cancer and they complied with all preventive measures in more than 90% of the cases. Conclusions Although cancer patients worried about COVID‐19 and evaluated the risk of complication or death due to COVID‐19 as extremely high, they were still asking for the best oncological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Elisa Onesti
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium.,Laboratory of Human Genetics, GIGA Research Center, Liège, Belgium
| | - Hélène Schroeder
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Andrée Rorive
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Brieuc Sautois
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie Lecocq
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie Goffin
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Elodie Gonne
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Astrid Collinge
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurence Nicolaers
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Odile Wéra
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Amandine Catot
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Catherine Loly
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Astrid Paulus
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anne Sibille
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurence Lousberg
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Florence Troisfontaine
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Joëlle Collignon
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christine Gennigens
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pierre Frères
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marc Polus
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Bernard Duysinx
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Nathalie Marchal
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Poncin
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Guy Jerusalem
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium.,University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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15
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Cioni G, Canini J. The side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on key public health elements - How the global emergency has changed the acute management of myocardial infarction and stroke, the network of cancer care, and assistance to frail individuals. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.4081/itjm.2021.1462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a primary health problem globally. In particular, it has caused troubles even to the advanced health systems of Western countrieswho attempted to limit the spread of the infection and manage patients with severe respiratory distress. However, this sudden contingency has had a much higher cost if we also consider the cost of suspending ordinary clinical care or delays in the emergency pathways of non-COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, the policies applied to contain the contagion have exacerbated the socio-economic disparities of the population and isolated fragile patients, making them subject to clinical relapses or aggravation of chronic diseases. For this reason, the various specialist centers have equipped themselves to guarantee an effective therapeutic path. In this brief review, we have outlined some consequent repercussions on the management of acute and chronic cardiovascular and neurovascular diseases and on oncological treatment. In particular, we have described the effects of the current health reorganization on some acute and time-dependent diseases, such as stroke and acute coronary syndromes, in which therapeutic delay is potentially disabling or fatal. Furthermore, we have focused on cancer treatments, whose essential cornerstones are early screening and follow-up. Finally, the suffering of the local health network has led to a lack of continuity of care in fragile patients, such as psychiatric, marginalized, or multiple comorbid patients.
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16
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Peacock HM, Tambuyzer T, Verdoodt F, Calay F, Poirel HA, De Schutter H, Francart J, Van Damme N, Van Eycken L. Decline and incomplete recovery in cancer diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium: a year-long, population-level analysis. ESMO Open 2021; 6:100197. [PMID: 34474811 PMCID: PMC8411068 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oncological care was considerably impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Worrisome declines in diagnostic procedures and cancer diagnoses in 2020 have been reported; however, nationwide, population-based evidence is limited. Quantification of the magnitude and distribution of the remaining outstanding diagnoses is likewise lacking. METHODS Using accelerated delivery of data from pathology laboratories to the Belgian Cancer Registry, we compared the nationwide rates of new diagnoses of invasive cancers in 2020 to 2019. RESULTS We observed a 44% reduction in total diagnoses of invasive cancers in April 2020 compared with April 2019, coinciding with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reduction was largest in older patients and for skin cancers (melanoma and nonmelanoma). Reductions in diagnosis were less pronounced among children and adolescents (0-19 years). A smaller decline was observed for most cancers with typically poorer prognosis or obvious symptoms, including some hematological malignancies, lung, and pancreatic cancer. Suspension of organized population screening programs was reflected in a strong decline in diagnosis in the screening age groups for female breast cancer (56%) and for colorectal cancer in both men (49%) and women (60%). The number of diagnoses began to increase from the end of April and stabilized at the beginning of June at or just above 2019 levels. There has yet to be a complete recovery in cancer diagnoses, with an estimated 6%, or ∼4000 diagnoses, still outstanding for all of 2020. Among solid tumors, head and neck cancers have the largest remaining year-over-year decrease in diagnoses at 14%. CONCLUSION These results add to the evidence of a profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncological care and identify groups at risk for continuing diagnostic delays. These data should stimulate health care providers worldwide to facilitate targeted, accessible, and efficient procedures for detection of cancers affected by this delay.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - F Verdoodt
- Belgian Cancer Registry, Brussels, Belgium
| | - F Calay
- Belgian Cancer Registry, Brussels, Belgium
| | - H A Poirel
- Belgian Cancer Registry, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - J Francart
- Belgian Cancer Registry, Brussels, Belgium
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17
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Tagliamento M, Agostinetto E, Bruzzone M, Ceppi M, Saini KS, de Azambuja E, Punie K, Westphalen CB, Morgan G, Pronzato P, Del Mastro L, Poggio F, Lambertini M. Mortality in adult patients with solid or hematological malignancies and SARS-CoV-2 infection with a specific focus on lung and breast cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 163:103365. [PMID: 34052423 PMCID: PMC8156831 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to estimate mortality in adult patients with solid or hematological malignancies and SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, up to 31 January 2021, identified publications reporting the case-fatality rate (CFR) among adult patients with solid or hematological malignancies and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The CFR, defined as the rate of death in this population, was assessed with a random effect model; 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS Among 135 selected studies (N = 33,879 patients), the CFR was 25.4% (95% CI 22.9%-28.2%). At a sensitivity analysis including studies with at least 100 patients, the CFR was 21.9% (95% CI 19.1%-25.1%). Among COVID-19 patients with lung (N = 1,135) and breast (N = 1,296) cancers, CFR were 32.4% (95% CI 26.5%-39.6%) and 14.2% (95% CI 9.3%-21.8%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Patients with solid or hematological malignancies and SARS-CoV-2 infection have a high probability of mortality, with comparatively higher and lower CFRs in patients with lung and breast cancers, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Tagliamento
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Elisa Agostinetto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institut Jules Bordet and Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Humanitas Cancer Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bruzzone
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Marcello Ceppi
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Evandro de Azambuja
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institut Jules Bordet and Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin Punie
- Department of General Medical Oncology and Multidisciplinary Breast Centre, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - C Benedikt Westphalen
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich & Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Gilberto Morgan
- Department of Medical and Radiation Oncology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Paolo Pronzato
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Lucia Del Mastro
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Breast Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Poggio
- Breast Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, UOC Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
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18
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Bianchi F, Dama E, Di Nicolantonio F, Baldassarre G, Guerriero I, Torchiaro E, Bruno A, Blandino G, Allavena P, Chiarugi P, Sozzi G, D'Incalci M, Normanno N. COVID-19 epidemic strongly affected cancer research in Italy: a survey of the Italian Cancer Society (SIC). ESMO Open 2021; 6:100165. [PMID: 34052554 PMCID: PMC8176317 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Italy was among the first countries hit by the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The application of strict lockdown measures disproportionately affected both cancer patient care as well as basic and translational cancer research. Materials and methods The Italian Cancer Society (SIC) conducted a survey on the effect of lockdown on laboratories involved in cancer research in Italy. The survey was completed by 570 researchers at different stages of their career, working in cancer centers, research institutes and universities from 19 Italian regions. Results During the lockdown period, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency on face-to-face research activities was high, with a complete (47.7%) or partial (36.1%) shutdown of the laboratories. In the post-lockdown period, research activities were resumed in most of the respondents’ institutions (80.4%), though with some restrictions (77.2%). COVID-19 testing was offered to research personnel only in ~50% of research institutions. Overall, the response to the pandemic was fragmented as in many cases institutions adopted different strategies often aimed at limiting possible infections without a clearly defined contingency plan. Nevertheless, research was able to provide the first answers and possible ways out of the pandemic, also with the contribution of many cancer researchers that sacrificed their research programs to help overcome the pandemic by offering their knowledge and technologies. Conclusions Given the current persistence of an emergency situation in many European countries, a more adequate organization of research centers will be urgent and necessary to ensure the continuity of laboratory activities in a safe environment. The SIC conducted a survey on the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on cancer research laboratories in Italy. The impact of the lockdown on research activities was high, with complete or partial shutdown of >80% of the laboratories. Response to the pandemic was fragmented with different strategies adopted without a clearly defined contingency plan. An adequate organization of research centers is urgently needed to ensure laboratory activities in a safe environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bianchi
- Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Cancer Biomarkers Unit, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - E Dama
- Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Cancer Biomarkers Unit, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - F Di Nicolantonio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Turin, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - G Baldassarre
- Molecular Oncology Unit Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - I Guerriero
- Biogem, Institute for Genetic Research 'G. Salvatore', Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - E Torchiaro
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - A Bruno
- Laboratory of Immunology, Unit of Molecular Pathology, Immunology and Biochemistry, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - G Blandino
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - P Allavena
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - P Chiarugi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G Sozzi
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - M D'Incalci
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - N Normanno
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy.
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19
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Perra N. Non-pharmaceutical interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic: A review. PHYSICS REPORTS 2021; 913:1-52. [PMID: 33612922 PMCID: PMC7881715 DOI: 10.1016/j.physrep.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases and human behavior are intertwined. On one side, our movements and interactions are the engines of transmission. On the other, the unfolding of viruses might induce changes to our daily activities. While intuitive, our understanding of such feedback loop is still limited. Before COVID-19 the literature on the subject was mainly theoretical and largely missed validation. The main issue was the lack of empirical data capturing behavioral change induced by diseases. Things have dramatically changed in 2020. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have been the key weapon against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and affected virtually any societal process. Travel bans, events cancellation, social distancing, curfews, and lockdowns have become unfortunately very familiar. The scale of the emergency, the ease of survey as well as crowdsourcing deployment guaranteed by the latest technology, several Data for Good programs developed by tech giants, major mobile phone providers, and other companies have allowed unprecedented access to data describing behavioral changes induced by the pandemic. Here, I review some of the vast literature written on the subject of NPIs during the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so, I analyze 348 articles written by more than 2518 authors in the first 12 months of the emergency. While the large majority of the sample was obtained by querying PubMed, it includes also a hand-curated list. Considering the focus, and methodology I have classified the sample into seven main categories: epidemic models, surveys, comments/perspectives, papers aiming to quantify the effects of NPIs, reviews, articles using data proxies to measure NPIs, and publicly available datasets describing NPIs. I summarize the methodology, data used, findings of the articles in each category and provide an outlook highlighting future challenges as well as opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Perra
- Networks and Urban Systems Centre, University of Greenwich, London, UK
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20
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Major impact of COVID-19 national containment on activities in the French northern comprehensive cancer center. Med Oncol 2021; 38:28. [PMID: 33595732 PMCID: PMC7887549 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01467-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly impacted cancer patient management. National and local recommendations to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission have been applied in a comprehensive cancer center located in Northern France. We prospectively measured key indicators for three successive eight-week periods: directly before, during, and right after the containment (from 16 March to 10 May 2020). Overall, the number of newly diagnosed and referred cancer patients in our hospital steadily increased (1027; 1135 and then 1704; +11% during containment and +50% just after). To reduce patient transportation, teleconsultations were implemented. Teleconsulting activity steadily increased during the three periods (5, 2025, and 2351). However, a marked decrease in the number of surgical procedures was observed (448; 330 and 288; −26% during containment and −13% just after). We observed a slight decrease in the number of radiation therapy sessions (7761; 7328 and 7075; −6% during containment and −3% just after) and in day-hospital cycles of IV systemic treatment (2891; 2736 and 2717; −5% during containment and −1% just after). We observed an increase in the number of patients admitted to palliative care and a dramatic reduction in clinical trial enrollment. During this 24-week period, organizational changes were mainly characterized by an increase in newly diagnosed cancer patient referral and the implementation of protective measures, such as teleconsultations. Activities in cancer surgery have decreased while radiotherapy and chemotherapy activities were stable.
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21
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Onesti CE, Tagliamento M, Curigliano G, Harbeck N, Bartsch R, Wildiers H, Tjan-Heijnen V, Martin M, Rottey S, Generali D, Campone M, Cristofanilli M, Pusztai L, Peeters M, Berchem G, Cortes J, Ruhstaller T, Ciruelos E, Rugo HS, Jerusalem G. Expected Medium- and Long-Term Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Oncology. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:162-172. [PMID: 33529077 PMCID: PMC8081548 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic has affected healthcare systems globally, leading to reorganization of medical activities. We performed an international survey aimed to investigate the medium- and long-term impact on oncology units. MATERIALS AND METHODS An 82-item survey was distributed from June 17 to July 14, 2020 among medical oncologists worldwide. RESULTS One hundred nine medical oncologists from 18 countries in Europe (n = 93), United States (n = 5), and Latin America (n = 11) answered the survey. A systematic tracing of COVID-19–positive patients was continued in the postacute phase by 77.1% of the centers; 64.2% of the respondents participated in a local registry and 56% in international or national registries of infected patients. Treatment adaptations were introduced, and surgery was the most affected modality being delayed or canceled in more than 10% of patients in 34% of the centers, whereas early cessation of palliative treatment was reported in 32.1% of the centers; 64.2% of respondents reported paying attention to avoid undertreatments. The use of telemedicine has been largely increased. Similarly, virtual tools are increasingly used particularly for medical education and international or national or multidisciplinary meetings. 60.6% of the participants reduced clinical activity, and 28.4% compensated by increasing their research activity. Significant reduction of clinical trial activities is expected in 37% of centers this year. The well-being of healthcare staff would not recover by the end of the year according to 18% of the participants. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 outbreak has had a major impact on oncologic activity, which will persist in the future, irrespective of geographical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Elisa Onesti
- Medical Oncology Department, CHU Sart Tilman Liege and Laboratory of Human Genetics, GIGA Research Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marco Tagliamento
- Oncology Department, University of Genova and IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS and University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nadia Harbeck
- Breast Center, Department OB&GYN and CCCLMU, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Rupert Bartsch
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Hans Wildiers
- Department of General Medical Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vivianne Tjan-Heijnen
- Medical Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Miguel Martin
- Departamento de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sylvie Rottey
- Department of Medical Oncology, UZ Gent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Daniele Generali
- UO Patologia Mammaria e Ricerca Traslazionale-Breast Unit, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria, Territoriale di Cremona and University of Trieste, Cremona, Italy
| | - Mario Campone
- Medical Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest-Pays de la Loire, Saint-Herblain, France
| | - Massimo Cristofanilli
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Lajos Pusztai
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Marc Peeters
- Oncology Department, University Hospital Antwerp (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
| | - Guy Berchem
- Hemato-Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Javier Cortes
- Oncology Department, IOB Institute of Oncology, Quiron Group, Madrid, Barcelona, Spain.,Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Centro Cellex, Carrer de Natzaret, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas Ruhstaller
- Medical Oncology, Breast Center Eastern Switzerland, St Gallen, Switzerland.,University of Basel, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Eva Ciruelos
- Medical Oncology, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hope S Rugo
- Breast Care Center, University of California San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA
| | - Guy Jerusalem
- Medical Oncology, CHU Sart Tilman Liège and University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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22
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Knudsen KE, Willman C, Winn R. Optimizing the Use of Telemedicine in Oncology Care: Postpandemic Opportunities. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:933-936. [PMID: 33229457 PMCID: PMC7887011 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-3758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Utilization of telehealth as part of the cancer care delivery continuum dramatically escalated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic at major cancer centers across the globe. The rapid shift toward telehealth visits for nontreatment cancer care provided immediate benefit through reducing unnecessary risk of exposure, overcoming transportation barriers faced by both patients and caregivers, and fast-tracking care transformation. As such, delineating the impact of telehealth on access, health equity, quality, and outcomes will be essential for refining the use of digital strategies and telehealth toward optimizing cancer care. Herein, experiences to date with telehealth usage for oncology care are reviewed, and priorities are outlined for postpandemic opportunities to improve the lives of patients with cancer through telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Knudsen
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health and Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Cheryl Willman
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Robert Winn
- Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia
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23
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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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24
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Alom S, Chiu CM, Jha A, Lai SHD, Yau THL, Harky A. The Effects of COVID-19 on Cancer Care Provision: A Systematic Review. Cancer Control 2021; 28:1073274821997425. [PMID: 33631953 PMCID: PMC8482720 DOI: 10.1177/1073274821997425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review aims to gather primary data from cancer institutions that have implemented changes to cancer service provision amid the COVID-19 outbreak to inform future intervention and health care facility response strategies. A comprehensive literature search was done on Global Health Medline and EMBASE using pertinent key words and MeSH terms relating to COVID-19 and Cancer service provision. A total of 72 articles were selected for inclusion in this systematic review. Following the narrative synthesis that was conducted of the literature, 6 core themes that encompassed common cancer service intervention adopted by institutions were identified: (1) Testing and Tracking, (2) Outreach and Communication, (3) Protection, (4) Social Distancing (5) Treatment Management, (6) Service Restructuring. Since cancer patients are a high-risk population amid the COVID-19 pandemic, these areas of targeted intervention can be used to inform necessary actions in institutions facing similar risks, based on previous learning from numerous cancer centers globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiha Alom
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Equal contribution
| | - Chun Ming Chiu
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, East Sussex, UK
- Equal contribution
| | - Ashwarya Jha
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Thomas Ho Lai Yau
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Amer Harky
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
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25
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Sarid N, Mann S, Herishanu Y, Perry C, Cohen YC, Passage I, Neaman M, Benyamini N, Jean M, Avivi I. Lower Patient Anxiety and Unchanged Levels of Adherence to Hemato-Oncologic Treatment in Response to New Measures to Reduce Hospital Exposure Risk to COVID-19. Patient Prefer Adherence 2021; 15:945-952. [PMID: 34007160 PMCID: PMC8122002 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s307561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hemato-oncology patients are at high risk for morbidity and mortality from coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The resultant heightened anxiety among these patients may negatively affect adherence to therapy and treatment-related outcome. We aimed to assess whether the adoption of precautionary measures provided by the medical team led to a reduction in COVID-19-related anxiety and, consequently, to successful execution of treatment plans. METHODS All adult hemato-oncology patients actively treated or being followed-up at the outpatient service at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center between March 25 and May 3, 2020, were invited to answer a questionnaire that focused on their anxiety and adherence to treatment following new measures to reduce risk of infection during the first COVID-19 outbreak. RESULTS One hundred and fifty patients (representing 24% of those being approached), average age 67 years, 52% male, and 57% undergoing antineoplastic therapy, responded to the survey. The introduction of precautionary measures resulted in a significant reduction in anxiety level in all patients, irrespective of age, sex, or treatment status. Attendance to scheduled visits in day care and outpatient clinics remained unchanged. Adherence to planned blood and imaging tests were 81% and 73%, respectively, and 93% of the patients were satisfied with their medical care. Thirty-two percent of patients used telemedicine. Satisfaction with telemedicine was highest among non-actively treated patients and those experiencing high anxiety levels. CONCLUSION Reorganization of the hemato-oncology unit and provision of information to patients reduced COVID-19-related anxiety and enabled the same delivery of therapy as that prior to the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadav Sarid
- Departments of Hematology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shir Mann
- Departments of Hematology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yair Herishanu
- Departments of Hematology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chava Perry
- Departments of Hematology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael C Cohen
- Departments of Hematology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inna Passage
- Departments of Hematology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Miriam Neaman
- Departments of Hematology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noam Benyamini
- Departments of Hematology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Maayan Jean
- Departments of Hematology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Irit Avivi
- Departments of Hematology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Correspondence: Irit Avivi Department of Hematology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, Tel Aviv, 6423906, IsraelTel +972-3-6973576Fax +972-3-6974452 Email
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26
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Nichetti F, Bini M, Ambrosini M, Ottini A, Rametta A, Leporati R, Polastri D, Pircher C, Dotti K, Ferrari L, de Braud F. COVID-19 risk for patients undergoing anticancer treatment at the outpatient clinic of the National Cancer Institute of Milan: the COVINT study. ESMO Open 2020; 5:esmoopen-2020-000883. [PMID: 33158968 PMCID: PMC7650074 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2020-000883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with cancer are regarded as a highly vulnerable population. Overall, those requiring hospital admission for treatment administration are potentially exposed to a higher risk of infection and worse outcome given the multiple in-hospital exposures and the treatment immunosuppressive effects. Methods COVINT is an observational study assessing COVID-19 incidence among patients receiving anticancer treatment in the outpatient clinic of the Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano. All consecutive patients with non-haematological malignancies treated with intravenous or subcutaneous/intramuscular anticancer therapy in the outpatient clinic were enrolled. The primary endpoint is the rate of occurrence of COVID-19. Secondary endpoints included the rate of COVID-19-related deaths and treatment interruptions. The association between clinical and biological characteristics and COVID-19 occurrence is also evaluated. COVID-19 diagnosis is defined as (1) certain if confirmed by reverse transcriptase PCR assay of nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS); (2) suspected in case of new symptoms or CT scan evidence of interstitial pneumonia with negative/not performed NPS; (3) negative in case of neither symptoms nor radiological evidence. Results In the first 2 months (16 February–10 April 2020) of observation, 1081 patients were included. Of these, 11 (1%) were confirmed and 73 (6.7%) suspected for COVID-19. No significant differences in terms of cancer and treatment type emerged between the three subgroups. Prophylactic use of myeloid growth factors was adopted in 5.3%, 2.7% and 0% of COVID-19-free, COVID-19-suspected and COVID-19-confirmed patients (p=0.003). Overall, 96 (8.9%) patients delayed treatment as a precaution for the pandemic. Among the 11 confirmed cases, 6 (55%) died of COVID-19 complications, and anticancer treatment was restarted in only one. Conclusions During the pandemic peak, accurate protective measures successfully resulted in low rates of COVID-19 diagnosis, although with high lethality. Prospective patients’ surveillance will continue with NPS and serology testing to provide a more comprehensive epidemiological picture, a biological insight on the impact of cytotoxic treatments on the immune response, and to protect patients and healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Nichetti
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Marta Bini
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Margherita Ambrosini
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Arianna Ottini
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rametta
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Rita Leporati
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Daniela Polastri
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Chiara Pircher
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Katia Dotti
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Laura Ferrari
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Filippo de Braud
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
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