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Jones L, Colwell B, Hao D, Welch S, Campbell A, Gill S. Is the Medical Oncology Workforce in Canada in Jeopardy? Findings from the Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists' COVID-19 Impact Survey Series. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:4284-4291. [PMID: 39195302 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31080319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 (C19) pandemic introduced challenges in all areas of the Canadian healthcare system. Along with adaptations to clinical care environments, there was increasing concern about physician burnout during this time. The Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists (CAMO) has examined the effects of the pandemic on the medical oncology (MO) workforce. A series of four multiple choice web-based surveys distributed to MOs who were identified using the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons directory and CAMO membership in May 2020 (S1), July 2020 (S2), December 2020 (S3), and March 2022 (S4). Descriptive analyses were performed for each survey, and a Chi-square test (α = 0.05) was used to assess factors associated with planned change in practice in S4. The majority of respondents work in a comprehensive cancer center S1/S2/S3/S4 (87%/86%81%/88%) and have been in practice >10 years (56%/61%/50%/64%). The most commonly reported personal challenges were physical (60%) and mental (60%) wellness. In S4, 47% of MOs reported dissatisfaction with their current work-life balance. In total, 83% reported that their workload has increased since the beginning of C19, and 51% of MOs reported their future career plans have been impacted by C19. In total, 56% of respondents are considering retiring or reducing total working hours in the next 5 years. Since the onset of the C19 pandemic, there are concerns identified with wellness, increasing workload, and job dissatisfaction among MOs, associated with experienced staff who have >10 years in practice. As rates of cancer prevalence rise and treatments become more complex, it is crucial to address the concerns raised in these surveys to ensure that we have a stable MO workforce in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Jones
- Division of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Bruce Colwell
- Division of Medical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 2Y9, Canada
| | - Desiree Hao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2, Canada
| | - Stephen Welch
- Division of Medical Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Alexi Campbell
- Canadian Association of Medical Oncology, Ottawa, ON K1E 3R9, Canada
| | - Sharlene Gill
- Division of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
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2
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Tabaczynski A, Bastas D, Whitehorn A, Trinh L. Changes in physical activity and associations with quality of life among a global sample of cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Cancer Surviv 2023; 17:1191-1201. [PMID: 35079964 PMCID: PMC8789373 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01156-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines (i.e., ≥ 150 min/week of aerobic PA and/or 2 days/week of resistance training) is beneficial for maintaining cancer survivors' well-being. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PA participation in cancer survivors and its association on quality of life (QoL) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare PA levels prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and examine the association between changes in PA and QoL in cancer survivors. METHODS A global sample of cancer survivors participated in a cross-sectional, online survey. Participants self-reported their PA participation before and during the pandemic using the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire and QoL with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) scales. Paired t-tests compared PA before and during the pandemic. Analysis of covariance examined differences in QoL between PA categories: non-exercisers, inactive adopters, complete and partial relapsers, single and combined guideline maintainers. RESULTS PA participation of cancer survivors (N = 488) significantly decreased during the pandemic (p's < .001). Cancer survivors were classified as non-exercisers (37.7%), inactive adopters (6.6%), complete (13.1%) and partial (6.1%) relapsers, and single (23.8%) or combined (12.7%) guideline maintainers. Partial relapsers had significantly lower QoL and fatigue than inactive adopters, and combined guideline maintainers (p's < .05) that were clinically meaningful. CONCLUSION PA decreased during the pandemic which has negative implications for QoL and fatigue in cancer survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS PA is critical for maintaining QoL during the pandemic; therefore, behavioral strategies are needed to help cancer survivors adopt and maintain PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson Tabaczynski
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2W6 Canada
| | - Denise Bastas
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2W6 Canada
| | - Alexis Whitehorn
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2W6 Canada
| | - Linda Trinh
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2W6 Canada
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Thomas E, Kennedy A, Walsh W, Carpentier M, Adeyinka H, Patel S, Gerber J, Cerny J, Mittal K. Telehealth through the pandemic at a safety net hospital: observations and next steps for cancer care delivery. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1186350. [PMID: 37333537 PMCID: PMC10272595 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1186350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized cancer care delivery leading to rapid adoption of digital technology for telehealth in the United States. In this study, we describe telehealth utilization trends across the three largest waves of the pandemic at a safety net academic center. We also provide a perspective on lessons learnt and our vision for cancer care delivery using digital technology in the near future. The integration of interpreter services within the video platform and its integration within the electronic medical record system is crucial for safety net institutes that service a diverse patient population. Pay-parity for telehealth, especially ongoing support for audio-only visits, will be critical in overcoming health disparities for patients without access to smartphone technology. Use of telehealth in clinical trials, widespread adoption of hospital at home programs, electronic consults for rapid access, and structured telehealth slots in clinic templates will be crucial in making cancer care more equitable and efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Thomas
- Hospital Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alice Kennedy
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - William Walsh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Michelle Carpentier
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Hannah Adeyinka
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Shyam Patel
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan Gerber
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Jan Cerny
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Kriti Mittal
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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4
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Chlan LL, Tracy MF, Ask J, Lal A, Mandrekar J. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ICU clinical trials: a description of one research team's experience. Trials 2023; 24:321. [PMID: 37165383 PMCID: PMC10172070 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07355-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruptions to clinical trials conducted in the intensive care unit (ICU) due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2; coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) pandemic included fewer new trials activated and more trials stopped. While a number of ongoing, non-COVID-19 clinical trials remained open to enrollment, the direct impact of the pandemic on ICUs instilled chaos in this already challenging environment. The numerous challenges need to be reported so investigators can proactively plan and manage these myriad challenges. Thus, the purpose of this study was to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on screening and accrual for a non-COVID-19 parent clinical trial enrolling critically ill ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. METHODS A descriptive, retrospective design using quantitative data from detailed screening logs and qualitative observations with field notes from a parent clinical trial were used to address the objectives. The primary aims of the two-site parent clinical trial (n = 190) are to test the efficacy of self-administration of sedative therapy by mechanically ventilated ICU patients on anxiety and delirium occurrence. ICUs from two academic medical centers [names removed for blinding] plus a community hospital in Minnesota were screened daily for alert patients (Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale [RASS] - 2 to + 1), following commands, hemodynamically stable with sufficient hand grip strength to depress a push-button device. Screening data were summarized based on the primary reason patients were not enrolled (screen failures, declinations of consent). Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages), chi-square, and Fisher's Exact test were used to describe the data and to determine any differences among distributions of screening failures and recruitment declinations during the defined pre-pandemic (August 27, 2018-March 15, 2020, 2976 screened patients) and pandemic timeframes (March 16, 2020-February 28, 2022, 3912 screened patients). Qualitative data from varied sources such as screening logs, institutional email communications, staff field notes, and research team meeting minutes were summarized into themes. RESULTS Despite significantly fewer screen failures due to hypotension, cognitive impairment/dementia, coma, or chemical paralysis with 938 additional patients on the screening log, more were accrued pre-pandemic (n = 55) than during the pandemic period (n = 45); declination reasons were non-significant. Pandemic burdens experienced by study personnel, ICU care providers, and patients/families were revealed that attributed to decreased accrual. CONCLUSIONS While the parent clinical trial remained opened, cumulative factors adversely impacted the trial during the pandemic period with fewer patients accrued. The human toll of the pandemic on research staff, clinicians, and patients/family members demands that investigators be proactive in managing these challenges to conduct ICU clinical trials successfully, including careful oversight of human and financial resources. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT#02,819,141 Registered 29 June 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda L Chlan
- Department of Nursing, Division of Nursing Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, Rochester, USA
| | - Mary Fran Tracy
- School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | | | - Amos Lal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, USA.
| | - Jay Mandrekar
- Division of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, USA
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Fortin J, Rivest-Beauregard M, Defer C, Leblanc M, Thamar Louis LA, Roy CA, Lapierre I, Brunet A, Montreuil M, Marin MF. The Impact of Canadian Medical Delays and Preventive Measures on Breast Cancer Experience: A Silent Battle Masked by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Can J Nurs Res 2023; 55:55-67. [PMID: 35484788 PMCID: PMC9086203 DOI: 10.1177/08445621221097520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic led to the prioritization of breast cancer services towards patients who are currently in treatment or diagnosed with advanced stages of breast cancer, and the self-assessment of both tumor growth and treatment side effects. Alongside the stress associated with cancer itself, delays and complications due to COVID-19 may impact patients' mental health. PURPOSE To describe the experiences of Canadians living with breast cancer who received a diagnosis and/or treatment during the pandemic, and to identify their recommendations for improving patients well-being during future pandemics. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen women living with breast cancer who also completed the Distress Thermometer questionnaire. The transcripts were analyzed using a descriptive thematic content methodology. RESULTS Women who started their breast cancer screening or treatment before the pandemic reported fewer delays and less psychological distress than those who started during the pandemic. Participants reported feeling dehumanized while receiving their medical care, being unable to be accompanied during medical visits, and fearing treatment interruption during the pandemic. Patient recommendations for improving care and psychological support included the presence of family caregivers at consultations to receive the diagnosis and for the first treatment session. CONCLUSION Study findings provide new insights on how healthcare restrictions during the pandemic impacted on patient experiences and their well-being during screening and treatment for breast cancer. The need for cancer nursing practices and care delivery strategies that promote the delivery of compassionate, patient-centred care and the provision of psychological support during future pandemics are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Fortin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,Centre de recherche de l’Institut en santé mentale de Montréal, CIUSSS-de-l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,Justine Fortin, 7331, rue Hochelaga Montréal, Québec, H1N 3V2, Canada.
| | | | - Clarisse Defer
- Department of Oncology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (CIUSSS-de-l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Carol-Anne Roy
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Alain Brunet
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marjorie Montreuil
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut en santé mentale de Montréal, CIUSSS-de-l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,Department of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-France Marin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,Centre de recherche de l’Institut en santé mentale de Montréal, CIUSSS-de-l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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6
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Suleman A, Vijenthira A, Liu ZA, Truong T, Berlin A, Prica A, Rodin D. Virtual Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic for Patients With Hematologic Malignancies: A Single-Institution Experience. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e672-e682. [PMID: 36821811 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The use of virtual care rapidly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and has persisted as a routine method of care delivery. Much of the literature on virtual care in oncology has focused on solid tumors, and little is known about its application in malignant hematology. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of patients with hematologic malignancies at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre from October 2019 to March 2021 to determine the use of virtual care during this period, cost-savings associated with virtual visits, and patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Your Voice Matters survey, a provincially administered survey to evaluate patient experience. RESULTS Overall, 12.1% (1,122/9,295) of patients had a virtual visit during the study period (0% from October 2019 to February 2020, 36% from March to August 2020, and 30% from September 2020 to March 2021), of which 36% were in the lymphoma clinic and 46% were in the myeloma clinic. The mean two-way opportunity cost for an in-person visit was $168.00 CAD per person with public transit, and $120.40 CAD per person driving. Responses to the Your Voice Matters survey indicated that patients with a virtual visit reported that physical symptoms were discussed appropriately (mean 4.73/5), and were more likely to ask for a follow-up virtual visit compared with patients with in-person visits (mean 4.50/5 v 3.02/5, respectively; P < .01). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that virtual care may be a feasible and well-received tool for delivering care to a substantial proportion of patients with hematologic malignancies, while enabling substantial cost-savings to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Suleman
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Abi Vijenthira
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zhihui Amy Liu
- Cancer Digital Intelligence Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tran Truong
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alejandro Berlin
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada.,Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anca Prica
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Danielle Rodin
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Duru E, Balkıs M. COVID-19 Related Negative Life Events and Psychological Distress: The Role of Emotion and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies. JOURNAL OF RATIONAL-EMOTIVE AND COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOR THERAPY 2022:1-23. [PMID: 36406658 PMCID: PMC9651113 DOI: 10.1007/s10942-022-00488-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the potential role of hopelessness, helplessness, and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in the relationship between adverse life events and psychological distress among Turkish adults. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 64 years old. The majority were female. From June 21, 2021, to August 18, 2021, 432 participants responded to an online questionnaire that included the Negative Life Events List (NLEs), the Helplessness, and Hopelessness, and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies Scale (CERS) and General Health Questionnaire-12. The findings suggest that the NLEs, directly and indirectly, predict psychological distress through helplessness and hopelessness. The direct and indirect predictive effects of the NLEs on psychological distress varied depending on the level of CERS. The current study's findings have contributed to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between the NLEs and psychological distress during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdinç Duru
- Faculty of Education, Department of Psychological Counseling and Guidance, Pamukkale University, 20070 Kinikli/Denizli, Turkey
| | - Murat Balkıs
- Faculty of Education, Department of Psychological Counseling and Guidance, Pamukkale University, 20070 Kinikli/Denizli, Turkey
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8
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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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Teng H, Dang W, Curpen B. Impact of COVID-19 and Socioeconomic Factors on Delays in High-Risk MRI Breast Cancer Screening. Tomography 2022; 8:2171-2181. [PMID: 36136878 PMCID: PMC9498669 DOI: 10.3390/tomography8050182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate if there was a delay in high-risk MRI breast cancer screening in our local region, if this delay is ongoing despite COVID-19 vaccinations, and if demographic and socioeconomic factors are associated with these delays. Six-hundred and sixty-five high-risk breast patients from 23 January 2018–30 September 2021 were included. Delays were determined by comparing the time in between each patients’ MRI screening exams prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to the time in between MRI screening exams during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the time in between exams when our patients started receiving vaccinations. Delays were analyzed via logistical regression with demographic and socioeconomic factors to determine if there was an association between these factors and delays. Significant time delays in between MRI screening exams were found between the pre-COVID timeframe compared to during the height of COVID. Significant time delays also persisted during the timeframe after patients started getting vaccinations. There were no associations with delays and socioeconomic or demographic factors. Significant time delays were found in between MRI high-risk breast cancer screening examinations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These delays were not exacerbated by demographic or socioeconomic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Teng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Wilfred Dang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Belinda Curpen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
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10
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Sabaner E, Kolbakir F, Ercan E. Evaluation of fatigue and sleep problems in cabin crews during the early COVID-19 pandemic period. Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 50:102430. [PMID: 36030015 PMCID: PMC9404073 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102430] [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: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 outbreak has affected the aviation sector. The anxiety and fear caused by this newly emerging virus, whose effects are not fully known in the short and long term, may also cause problems in terms of flight safety. We aimed to evaluate fatigue and sleep problems associated with fear of COVID-19 during the early pandemic period in cabin crew. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey study consisting of 45 questions in total. Participants were cabin crew members on flight duty. An online questionnaire was sent to 2092 cabin crew in February–April 2021 via TASSA Cabin Crew Member's Association. The survey included questions about socio-demographic characteristics, flight times, flight types and COVID test history, as well as the international physical activity questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF), fatigue severity scale (FSS), Jenkins sleep scale (JSS) and fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S). Results Out of 316 survey results obtained (response rate, 15%), 225 (71%) were included in the study, with a mean age (SD) of 32.54 (4.91) years, and 124 (55.1%) were women. According to IPAQ-SF, 27.6% of cabin crew were found to be inactive, 54.7% minimally active and 17.7% very active. According to FSS, pathological fatigue was found in 43.6%. The FSS score of the inactive group was higher than the others (Kruskal Wallis, p < 0.001). As the number of people living in the same house or flight time in the last 1 month increase, the fear of COVID-19 also increases (Spearman, p = 0.01 r = 0.171, and p = 0.049 r = 0.131). In addition, there was direct correlation between fear of COVID-19 and fatigue and sleep problems (Spearman, p = 0.001 r = 0.218, and p < 0.001 r = 0.26, respectively). Conclusion This study shows that fatigue and sleep problems increase as the fear of COVID-19 increases in cabin crew during the early pandemic period. Consequently, precautions and further studies are needed, as fatigue and sleep disorders may primarily be related to the anxiety, fear and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eda Sabaner
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.
| | - Fersat Kolbakir
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Erdinc Ercan
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
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11
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Arem H, Moses J, Nekhlyudov L, Killackey M, Sieloff B, Cisneros C, Pratt-Chapman ML. Oncology provider experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270651. [PMID: 35881586 PMCID: PMC9321423 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic upended nearly all aspects of daily life and of medical care, placing a double burden of professional and personal concerns on those who provide medical care. We set out to assess the burden of the pandemic on provider outlook and understand how cancer survivorship providers experienced rapid changes to practice. METHODS We distributed a survey through the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) to its accredited organizations in mid-October 2020. We included questions on provider characteristics, changes in patient care practices resulting from the pandemic, worry about COVID-19, and concern about impact on cancer survivors. RESULTS Of the n = 607 participants, three-quarters were female and three-quarters were White. Only 2.1% of participants reported having had COVID-19, but 43% reported anxiety about getting COVID-19 and over a quarter experienced sadness or depression, anxiety about the future, changes to sleep, difficulty concentrating, or social isolation. Approximately half of providers also expressed significant concern about progression of cancer in patients who experienced care delays or were afraid of accessing in-person care. In terms of changes to survivorship care, respondents reported changes to visitor policies, delays or cancellations, and efforts to reduce in-person visits. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 has taken a significant toll on front-line healthcare professionals, including oncologists and cancer care allied health professionals. Findings support proactive mental health support of healthcare professionals as well as emergency preparedness to manage delays to care for cancer patients in the event of future unexpected pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Arem
- Healthcare Delivery Research, Medstar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jenna Moses
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Larissa Nekhlyudov
- George Washington University Cancer Center, Community Advisory Board, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Maureen Killackey
- George Washington University Cancer Center, Community Advisory Board, Washington, DC, United States of America
- American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer Site Reviewer, NYS Cancer Advisory Council, NY, United States of America
| | - Beth Sieloff
- George Washington University Cancer Center, Community Advisory Board, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Sault Ste, MI, United States of America
| | - Cindy Cisneros
- George Washington University Cancer Center, Community Advisory Board, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Mandi L. Pratt-Chapman
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
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12
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Alpert JM, Campbell-Salome G, Gao C, Markham MJ, Murphy M, Harle CA, Paige SR, Krenz T, Bylund CL. Secure Messaging and COVID-19: A Content Analysis of Patient-Clinician Communication During the Pandemic. Telemed J E Health 2022; 28:1028-1034. [PMID: 34767741 PMCID: PMC9293676 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) immediately impacted patient-clinician communication, particularly in the oncology setting. Relatedly, secure messaging (SM) usage greatly increased, yet it is unknown what was discussed and whether the technology was utilized to disseminate information. Aims: This study aimed at identifying the most frequently discussed topics using SM as well as at understanding how the communication process transpired during the early stages of the pandemic. Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods design was utilized, consisting of a content analysis of more than 4,200 secure messages, aggregated into 1,454 patient-clinician discussions. Data were collected from February 2020 to May 2020. Discussions were from various oncology departments and included physicians, physician assistants, and nurses. Based on the identified categories, a thematic analysis was conducted to understand the nuances occurring within discussions. Results: Out of the 1,454 discussions, 26% (n = 373) related to COVID-19. Of the COVID-19 discussion, the most frequently coded category was "changes, adjustments, and re-arranging care" (65%, n = 241), followed by "risk for COVID-19" (24%, n = 90), "precautions inside the hospital" (18%, n = 66), and "precautions outside the hospital" (14%, n = 52). Natural language processing techniques were used to confirm the validity of the results. Thematic analysis revealed that patients were proactive in rescheduling appointments, expressed anxiety about being immunocompromised, and clinicians were uncertain about providing recommendations related to COVID-19. Conclusions: The COVID-19 outbreak revealed the need for responsive and effective public health communication. The SM can disseminate information from trusted sources, clinicians, but can be better utilized to deliver tailored information for specific patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M. Alpert
- College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Address correspondence to: Jordan M. Alpert, PhD, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, 2093 Weimer Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Gemme Campbell-Salome
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Department of Population Health Sciences, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cayle Gao
- Center for Undergraduate Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Merry Jennifer Markham
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Martina Murphy
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Christopher A. Harle
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Samantha R. Paige
- College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Till Krenz
- Bureau of Economic and Business Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Carma L. Bylund
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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13
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Carvalho AS, Brito Fernandes Ó, de Lange M, Lingsma H, Klazinga N, Kringos D. Changes in the quality of cancer care as assessed through performance indicators during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:786. [PMID: 35715795 PMCID: PMC9204363 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08166-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer comprises a high burden on health systems. Performance indicators monitoring cancer outcomes are routinely used in OECD countries. However, the development of process and cancer-pathway based information is essential to guide health care delivery, allowing for better monitoring of changes in the quality of care provided. Assessing the changes in the quality of cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic requires a structured approach considering the high volume of publications. This study aims to summarize performance indicators used in the literature to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care (January-June 2020) in OECD countries and to assess changes in the quality of care as reported via selected indicators. METHODS Search conducted in MEDLINE and Embase databases. Performance indicators and their trends were collated according to the cancer care pathway. RESULTS This study included 135 articles, from which 1013 indicators were retrieved. Indicators assessing the diagnostic process showed a decreasing trend: from 33 indicators reporting on screening, 30 (91%) signalled a decrease during the pandemic (n = 30 indicators, 91%). A reduction was also observed in the number of diagnostic procedures (n = 64, 58%) and diagnoses (n = 130, 89%). The proportion of diagnoses in the emergency setting and waiting times showed increasing trends (n = 8, 89% and n = 14, 56%, respectively). A decreasing trend in the proportion of earliest stage cancers was reported by 63% of indicators (n = 9), and 70% (n = 43) of indicators showed an increasing trend in the proportion of advanced-stage cancers. Indicators reflecting the treatment process signalled a reduction in the number of procedures: 79%(n = 82) of indicators concerning surgeries, 72%(n = 41) of indicators assessing radiotherapy, and 93%(n = 40) of indicators related to systemic therapies. Modifications in cancer treatment were frequently reported: 64%(n = 195) of indicators revealed changes in treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a summary of performance indicators used in the literature to assess the cancer care pathway from January 2020 to June 2020 in OECD countries, and the changes in the quality of care signalled by these indicators. The trends reported inform on potential bottlenecks of the cancer care pathway. Monitoring this information closely could contribute to identifying moments for intervention during crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Carvalho
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Óscar Brito Fernandes
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mats de Lange
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hester Lingsma
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Niek Klazinga
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dionne Kringos
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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14
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Granek L, Nakash O. Oncology Healthcare Professionals’ Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:4054-4067. [PMID: 35735432 PMCID: PMC9222050 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29060323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The paper begins by reviewing the literature on oncology healthcare professionals’ (HCP) mental health. We summarize and present the current data on HCP mental health in order to understand the baseline state of oncology HCPs’ mental health status prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. At each juncture, we will discuss the implications of these mental health variables on the personal lives of HCPs, the healthcare system, and patient care. We follow by reviewing the literature on these parameters during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the overall mental health of HCPs working in oncology. By reviewing and summarizing the data before and after the start of the pandemic, we will get a fuller picture of the pre-existing stressors facing oncology HCPs and the added burden caused by pandemic-related stresses. The second part of this review paper will discuss the implications for the oncology workforce and offer recommendations based on the research literature in order to improve the lives of HCPs, and in the process, improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leeat Granek
- School of Health Policy and Management and Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-736-2100
| | - Ora Nakash
- School for Social Work, Smith College, Northampton, MA 01063, USA;
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15
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The Impact of COVID-19 on Academic Cancer Clinical Trials in Canada and the Initial Response from Cancer Centers. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:2435-2441. [PMID: 35448171 PMCID: PMC9026465 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29040197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in temporary holds placed on new trial startups, patient recruitment and follow up visits for trials which contributed to major disruptions in cancer center trial unit operations. To assess the impact, the Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network (3CTN) members participated in regional meetings and a survey to understand the impact of the pandemic to academic cancer clinical trials (ACCT) activity, cancer trial unit operations and supports needed for post-pandemic recovery. Trial performance and recruitment data collected from 1 April 2020–31 March 2021 was compared to the same period in previous years. From 1 April–30 June 2020, patient recruitment decreased by 67.5% and trial site activations decreased by 81% compared to the same period in 2019. Recovery to reopening and recruitment of ACCTs began after three months, which was faster than initially projected. However, ongoing COVID-19 impacts on trial unit staffing and operations continue to contribute to delayed trial activations, lower patient recruitment and may further strain centers’ capacity for participation in academic-sponsored trials.
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16
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Moerdler S, Steinberg DM, Jin Z, Cole PD, Kesselheim J, Levy AS, Roth M, Rosenthal SL. Provider and staff crisis well-being associated with trust in leadership and baseline burnout. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29497. [PMID: 34890105 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the emotional health of health care workers continues to be an area of active research. However, few studies have focused on those working in pediatrics and its subspecialties, as well as ancillary and non-patient-facing staff. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated predictors of burnout and emotional well-being of providers and staff. METHODS An anonymous electronic survey was developed evaluating demographics, pandemic experiences, possible predictor variables, and three main outcomes of burnout, psychological distress, and perceived stress. Pediatric hematology oncology (PHO) chiefs and program directors across the country were invited to participate and disseminate the survey to their programs. RESULTS A total of 682/1950 (35% of invited) individuals responded to all predictor and outcome variables. Over half reported high levels of burnout and some reported moderate/high levels of distress. Prepandemic burnout and decreased trust in leadership were associated with all three outcomes. Additional predictors included having a child ≤18 years at home, hospital role, and worrying about patient care or relationship with their patients. The majority (n = 444/682, 65.5%) reported that their institution had made COVID-19-related mental health resources available. However, only 6.5% (n = 44/682) reported utilizing these resources. CONCLUSIONS While the majority of PHO providers and staff were resilient during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, many reported high levels of burnout, yet few are utilizing institutional resources. This study has highlighted several actionable areas to help identify and address factors that are wearing down the emotional well-being of providers and staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Moerdler
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Dara M Steinberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Zhezhen Jin
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Peter D Cole
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jennifer Kesselheim
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adam S Levy
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Cellular Therapy, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Brons, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Michael Roth
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Susan L Rosenthal
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
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17
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Bisceglia I, Canale ML, Gallucci G, Turazza FM, Lestuzzi C, Parrini I, Russo G, Maurea N, Quagliariello V, Oliva S, Di Fusco SA, Lucà F, Tarantini L, Trambaiolo P, Moreo A, Geraci G, Gabrielli D, Gulizia MM, Oliva F, Colivicchi F. Cardio-Oncology in the COVID Era (Co & Co): The Never Ending Story. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:821193. [PMID: 35155636 PMCID: PMC8831543 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.821193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of some non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and cancer includes an alteration of the endothelial function. COVID-19 is a pulmonary and vascular disease with a negative impact on patients whose damaged endothelium is particularly vulnerable. The peculiar SARS-CoV-2-induced "endothelitis" triggers an intriguing immune-thrombosis that affects both the venous and arterial vascular beds. An increased liability for infection and an increased likelihood of a worse outcome have been observed during the pandemic in patients with active cancer and in cancer survivors. "Overlapping commonalities" between COVID-19 and Cardio-Oncology have been described that include shared phenotypes of cardiovascular toxicities such as left ventricular dysfunction, ischemic syndromes, conduction disturbances, myocarditis, pericarditis and right ventricular failure; shared pathophysiologic mechanisms such as inflammation, release of cytokines, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-pathway, coagulation abnormalities, microthrombosis and endothelial dysfunction. For these features and for the catalyst role of NCDs (mainly CVD and cancer), we should refer to COVID-19 as a "syndemic." Another challenging issue is the persistence of the symptoms, the so-called "long COVID" whose pathogenesis is still uncertain: it may be due to persistent multi-organ viral attacks or to an abnormal immune response. An intensive vaccination campaign is the most successful pharmacological weapon against SARS-CoV-2, but the increasing number of variants has reduced the efficacy of the vaccines in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infections. After a year of vaccinations we have also learned more about efficacy and side-effects of COVID-19 vaccines. An important byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the rapid expansion of telemedicine platforms across different care settings; this new modality of monitoring cancer patients may be useful even in a post pandemic era. In this paper we analyze the problems that the cardio-oncologists are facing in a pandemic scenario modified by the extensive vaccination campaign and add actionable recommendations derived from the ongoing studies and from the syndemic nature of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Bisceglia
- Integrated Cardiology Services, Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Department, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Canale
- Cardiology Department, Nuovo Ospedale Versilia Lido di Camaiore Lucca, Camaiore, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Gallucci
- Cardio-Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Fabio Maria Turazza
- Cardiology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Instituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Lestuzzi
- Azienda Sanitaria Friuli Occidentale (ASFO) Cardiac and Cardio-Oncologic Rehabilitation Service at Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO), National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Iris Parrini
- Cardiology Department, Ospedale Mauriziano Umberto I, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Russo
- Cardiovascular and Sports Medicine Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI) Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicola Maurea
- Cardiology Department, G. Pascale National Cancer Institute Foundation (IRCCS), Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Quagliariello
- Cardiology Department, G. Pascale National Cancer Institute Foundation (IRCCS), Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Oliva
- Cardio-Oncology Department, Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Fabiana Lucà
- Cardiology Department, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarantini
- Divisione di Cardiologia, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio-Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Moreo
- A. De Gasperis Cardio Center, Aziende Socio Sanitarie Territoriali (ASST) Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Geraci
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Villa Sofia Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - Domenico Gabrielli
- Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Department, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Oliva
- Dipartimento Cardiotoracovascolare, Cardiology 1-Cath Lab, Coronary Care Unit (CCU), ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Furio Colivicchi
- Clinical and Rehabilitation Cardiology Department, Ospedale San Filippo Neri, Rome, Italy
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18
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Salehi O, Alarcon SV, Vega EA, Kutlu OC, Kozyreva O, Chan JA, Kazakova V, Harz D, Conrad C. COVID-19's Impact on Cancer Care: Increased Emotional Stress in Patients and High Risk of Provider Burnout. J Gastrointest Surg 2022; 26:1-12. [PMID: 34027579 PMCID: PMC8141360 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-021-05032-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19's precise impact on cancer patients and their oncologic care providers remains poorly understood. This study aims at comparatively analyzing COVID-19's effect on cancer care from both patient and provider perspectives. METHODS A multi-institutional survey was developed to assess COVID-19-specific concerns regarding treatment, safety, and emotional stress through 5-point Likert-type prompts and open-ended questions before and during the pandemic. Wilcoxon signed-rank and rank-sum tests were used to analyze before/during answers for providers and patients independently. Open-ended responses were assessed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS The survey was completed by 104 (69.3%) patients and 50 (50%) providers. Patients demonstrated a significant change in only 1 of 15 Likert prompts. Most significant were increased concern regarding susceptibility to infection [z = 2.536, p = 0.011] and concerns regarding their cancer outcome [z = 4.572, p < 0.001]. Non-physician providers demonstrated significant change in 8 of 13 Likert prompts, whereas physicians had all 13 Likert prompts change in the COVID-19 setting. Physicians believed care to be more poorly planned [z = -3.857, p ≤ 0.001], availability of protective personal equipment to be more limited [z = -4.082, p < 0.001], and were significantly concerned infecting family members [z = 4.965, p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS While patients had more difficulty coping with their cancer, they did not perceive significant differences in their actual treatment. This suggests the need for a renewed focus on patients coping with cancer. Among providers, physicians more than any other provider group had a strong negative perception of COVID-19's impact on healthcare, suggesting the need for novel approaches to target physician burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Salehi
- Department of Surgery, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, 11 Nevins St., Suite 201, Brighton, MA, 02135, USA
| | - Sylvia V Alarcon
- Department of Medical Oncology & Hematology, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center and Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eduardo A Vega
- Department of Surgery, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, 11 Nevins St., Suite 201, Brighton, MA, 02135, USA
| | - Onur C Kutlu
- Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Olga Kozyreva
- Department of Medical Oncology & Hematology, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center and Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Chan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vera Kazakova
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dominique Harz
- MMSc Medical Education Program, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Escuela de Odontología, Pontificie Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudius Conrad
- Department of Surgery, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, 11 Nevins St., Suite 201, Brighton, MA, 02135, USA.
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19
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Prathyusha N, Ardha A, Atreya B, Asha D, Kumari S. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of radiation oncologists during COVID-19 pandemic. J Cancer Res Ther 2022; 18:214-219. [DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1671_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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20
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Birhanu A, Balis B, Assebe Yadeta T, Bayu M. Personal protective equipment utilization practice and psychological preparedness of health care workers against COVID-19 pandemic in Eastern Ethiopia. SAGE Open Med 2021; 9:20503121211051925. [PMID: 34659769 PMCID: PMC8511914 DOI: 10.1177/20503121211051925] [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: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Effective implementation of prevention and control actions by health professionals is substantial to contain the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this study aimed to assess health care worker's practice of using personal protective equipment and psychological preparedness against the COVID-19 pandemic in Eastern Ethiopia. METHODS A facility-based cross-sectional study design was used. The health care workers (HCW) who were working in the selected health facilities were randomly selected. Variables that had p-value of < 0.15 were transformed to multivariable logistic regression model. Finally, the significance level was declared at the p-value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS A total of 418 HCWs were randomly selected and included in this study. The study participants mean age was 27.96 years with a ±5.6SD. HCWs who were male (adjusted odds ratio(AOR) = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.29-3.79), regularly using sanitizer, accessing COVID-19 management guideline (AOR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.46-5.47), trained on COVID-19 prevention methods (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.4-4.7), hopeless of eventually getting COVID-19 at workplace (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.13-3.28), and feeling unsafe at work when using standard precautions (AOR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.27-0.79) were associated with good PPE using compared to their counterparts. Moreover, nursing/midwifery professionals practiced good personal protective equipment compared to physicians (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.8-7.7). CONCLUSION The study demonstrated that being a male, being a nurse/midwifery, regularly sanitizing hands/medical equipment, having COVID-19 management guidelines, trained on COVID-19, and feeling of eventually getting COVID-19 at workplace had a positive association with PPE utilization. Besides, the study revealed that not feeling safe at work when using standard precautions was negatively associated with PPE utilization of HCWs. Therefore, the prevention priorities should be given to frontline HCWs by providing all possible support and strictly implementing the prevention and control guidelines of COVID-19 to prevent the health system from collapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdi Birhanu
- School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Bikila Balis
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Assebe Yadeta
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Miesso Bayu
- School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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21
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Roy CM, Bollman EB, Carson LM, Northrop AJ, Jackson EF, Moresky RT. Assessing the indirect effects of COVID-19 on healthcare delivery, utilization and health outcomes: a scoping review. Eur J Public Health 2021; 31:634-640. [PMID: 33755130 PMCID: PMC8083627 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic and global efforts to contain its spread, such as stay-at-home orders and transportation shutdowns, have created new barriers to accessing healthcare, resulting in changes in service delivery and utilization globally. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the literature published thus far on the indirect health effects of COVID-19 and to explore the data sources and methodologies being used to assess indirect health effects. Methods A scoping review of peer-reviewed literature using three search engines was performed. Results One hundred and seventy studies were included in the final analysis. Nearly half (46.5%) of included studies focused on cardiovascular health outcomes. The main methodologies used were observational analytic and surveys. Data were drawn from individual health facilities, multicentre networks, regional registries, and national health information systems. Most studies were conducted in high-income countries with only 35.4% of studies representing low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Conclusion Healthcare utilization for non-COVID-19 conditions has decreased almost universally, across both high- and lower-income countries. The pandemic’s impact on non-COVID-19 health outcomes, particularly for chronic diseases, may take years to fully manifest and should be a topic of ongoing study. Future research should be tied to system improvement and the promotion of health equity, with researchers identifying potentially actionable findings for national, regional and local health leadership. Public health professionals must also seek to address the disparity in published data from LMICs as compared with high-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Roy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - E Brennan Bollman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura M Carson
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander J Northrop
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth F Jackson
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel T Moresky
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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22
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Major A, Recklitis CJ, Bober S. Providing Effective Mental Health Support for Oncology Health-Care Workers in the COVID-19 Era: Responding Quickly but Carefully. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2021; 5:pkab031. [PMID: 34099997 PMCID: PMC8083393 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkab031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncology health-care workers (HCWs) are facing substantial stressors during the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, resulting in a wide range of acute stress responses. To appropriately meet the growing mental health needs of HCWs, it is imperative to differentiate expectable stress responses from posttraumatic stress disorder and mental illness, because traditional mental health interventions may pathologize healthy stress reactions and risk retraumatizing HCWs under acute duress. Further, HCWs are experiencing protracted forms of acute stress as the pandemic continues, including moral injury, and require mental health interventions that are flexible and can adapt as the acuity of stressors changes. Previously developed frameworks to support people experiencing acute stress, such as Psychological First Aid, are particularly relevant for HCWs in the ongoing pandemic. Acute stress interventions like Psychological First Aid are guided by the Stress Continuum Model, which conceptualizes stress reactions on a continuum, from a zone of normal readiness and expectable consequences to a zone of more persistent and extreme reactions such as posttraumatic stress disorder and major depression. Key principles of the Stress Continuum Model include the expectation that emotional reactivity does not lead to psychiatric problems, that interventions need to be appropriately targeted to symptoms along the stress continuum, and that people will return to normal recovery. Various core actions to reduce acute stress include delivering practical assistance, reducing arousal, mobilizing support, and providing targeted collaborative services. This nonpathologizing approach offers a valuable framework for delivering both individual and organizational-level interventions during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Major
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Sharon Bober
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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23
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Panzuto F, Maccauro M, Campana D, Faggiano A, Massironi S, Pusceddu S, Spada F, Ferone D, Modica R, Grana CM, Ferolla P, Rinzivillo M, Badalamenti G, Zatelli MC, Gelsomino F, De Carlo E, Bartolomei M, Brizzi MP, Cingarlini S, Versari A, Fanciulli G, Arvat E, Merola E, Cives M, Tafuto S, Baldari S, Falconi M. Impact of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic dissemination on the management of neuroendocrine neoplasia in Italy: a report from the Italian Association for Neuroendocrine Tumors (Itanet). J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:989-994. [PMID: 32803662 PMCID: PMC7429140 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01393-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The organization of the healthcare system has significantly changed after the recent COVID-19 outbreak, with a negative impact on the management of oncological patients. The present survey reports data collected by the Italian Association for Neuroendocrine Tumors on the management of patients with neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) during the pandemic dissemination. METHODS A survey with 57 questions was sent to NEN-dedicated Italian centers regarding the management of patients in the period March 9, 2020, to May 9, 2020 RESULTS: The main modification in the centers' activity consisted of decreases in newly diagnosed NEN patients (- 76.8%), decreases in performed surgical procedures (- 58%), delays to starting peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (45.5%), postponed/canceled follow-up examinations (26%), and canceled multidisciplinary teams' activity (20.8%). A low proportion of centers (< 10%) reported having to withdraw systemic anti-tumor medical treatment due to concerns about the pandemic situation, whereas PRRT was withdrawn from no patients. CONCLUSION Although the COVID-19 outbreak induced the centers to reduce some important activities in the management of NEN patients, the Italian network was able to provide continuity in care without withdrawing anti-tumor treatment for the majority of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Panzuto
- Digestive Disease Unit, ENETS Center of Excellence, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189, Rome, Italy.
| | - M Maccauro
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, ENETS Center of Excellence, IRRCS National Cancer Institute (INT), Milan, Italy
| | - D Campana
- Division of Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Faggiano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Massironi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - S Pusceddu
- Oncology Unit, ENETS Center of Excellence, IRRCS National Cancer Institute (INT), Milan, Italy
| | - F Spada
- Oncology Unit, ENETS Center of Excellence, European Cancer Institute (IEO), Milan, Italy
| | - D Ferone
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino; Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - R Modica
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - C M Grana
- Nuclear Medicine Division, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - P Ferolla
- Multidisciplinary Group for Diagnosis and Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumors Umbria Regional Cancer Network, Perugia, Italy
| | - M Rinzivillo
- Digestive Disease Unit, ENETS Center of Excellence, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - G Badalamenti
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, Section of Medical Oncology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - M C Zatelli
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine,, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - F Gelsomino
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - E De Carlo
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine III, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - M Bartolomei
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Sant'Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M P Brizzi
- Department of Oncology, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
| | - S Cingarlini
- Oncology Unit, ENETS Center of Excellence, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - A Versari
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - G Fanciulli
- NET Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari - Endocrine Unit, AOU Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - E Arvat
- Oncological Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - E Merola
- Department of Gastroenterology, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari di Trento (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | - M Cives
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - S Tafuto
- S.C. Sarcomi e Tumori Rari, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - S Baldari
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and of Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M Falconi
- Pancreatic Surgery, ENETS Center of Excellence, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Abd-Alrazaq A, Schneider J, Mifsud B, Alam T, Househ M, Hamdi M, Shah Z. A Comprehensive Overview of the COVID-19 Literature: Machine Learning-Based Bibliometric Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e23703. [PMID: 33600346 PMCID: PMC7942394 DOI: 10.2196/23703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shortly after the emergence of COVID-19, researchers rapidly mobilized to study numerous aspects of the disease such as its evolution, clinical manifestations, effects, treatments, and vaccinations. This led to a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19-related publications. Identifying trends and areas of interest using traditional review methods (eg, scoping and systematic reviews) for such a large domain area is challenging. OBJECTIVE We aimed to conduct an extensive bibliometric analysis to provide a comprehensive overview of the COVID-19 literature. METHODS We used the COVID-19 Open Research Dataset (CORD-19) that consists of a large number of research articles related to all coronaviruses. We used a machine learning-based method to analyze the most relevant COVID-19-related articles and extracted the most prominent topics. Specifically, we used a clustering algorithm to group published articles based on the similarity of their abstracts to identify research hotspots and current research directions. We have made our software accessible to the community via GitHub. RESULTS Of the 196,630 publications retrieved from the database, we included 28,904 in our analysis. The mean number of weekly publications was 990 (SD 789.3). The country that published the highest number of COVID-19-related articles was China (2950/17,270, 17.08%). The highest number of articles were published in bioRxiv. Lei Liu affiliated with the Southern University of Science and Technology in China published the highest number of articles (n=46). Based on titles and abstracts alone, we were able to identify 1515 surveys, 733 systematic reviews, 512 cohort studies, 480 meta-analyses, and 362 randomized control trials. We identified 19 different topics covered among the publications reviewed. The most dominant topic was public health response, followed by clinical care practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical characteristics and risk factors, and epidemic models for its spread. CONCLUSIONS We provide an overview of the COVID-19 literature and have identified current hotspots and research directions. Our findings can be useful for the research community to help prioritize research needs and recognize leading COVID-19 researchers, institutes, countries, and publishers. Our study shows that an AI-based bibliometric analysis has the potential to rapidly explore a large corpus of academic publications during a public health crisis. We believe that this work can be used to analyze other eHealth-related literature to help clinicians, administrators, and policy makers to obtain a holistic view of the literature and be able to categorize different topics of the existing research for further analyses. It can be further scaled (for instance, in time) to clinical summary documentation. Publishers should avoid noise in the data by developing a way to trace the evolution of individual publications and unique authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Abd-Alrazaq
- Division of Information and Computing Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jens Schneider
- Division of Information and Computing Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Borbala Mifsud
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tanvir Alam
- Division of Information and Computing Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mowafa Househ
- Division of Information and Computing Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mounir Hamdi
- Division of Information and Computing Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zubair Shah
- Division of Information and Computing Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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25
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Riera R, Bagattini ÂM, Pacheco RL, Pachito DV, Roitberg F, Ilbawi A. Delays and Disruptions in Cancer Health Care Due to COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:311-323. [PMID: 33617304 PMCID: PMC8081532 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There has been noteworthy concern about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health services including the management of cancer. In addition to being considered at higher risk for worse outcomes from COVID-19, people with cancer may also experience disruptions or delays in health services. This systematic review aimed to identify the delays and disruptions to cancer services globally. METHODS This is a systematic review with a comprehensive search including specific and general databases. We considered any observational longitudinal and cross-sectional study design. The selection, data extraction, and methodological assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed by specific tools. The delays and disruptions identified were categorized, and their frequency was presented. RESULTS Among the 62 studies identified, none exhibited high methodological quality. The most frequent determinants for disruptions were provider- or system-related, mainly because of the reduction in service availability. The studies identified 38 different categories of delays and disruptions with impact on treatment, diagnosis, or general health service. Delays or disruptions most investigated included reduction in routine activity of cancer services and number of cancer surgeries; delay in radiotherapy; and delay, reschedule, or cancellation of outpatient visits. Interruptions and disruptions largely affected facilities (up to 77.5%), supply chain (up to 79%), and personnel availability (up to 60%). CONCLUSION The remarkable frequency of delays and disruptions in health care mostly related to the reduction of the COVID-19 burden unintentionally posed a major risk on cancer care worldwide. Strategies can be proposed not only to mitigate the main delays and disruptions but also to standardize their measurement and reporting. As a high number of publications continuously are being published, it is critical to harmonize the upcoming reports and constantly update this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Riera
- Centre of Health Technology Assessment, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil.,Discipline of Evidence-Based Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil.,Oxford-Brazil EBM Alliance, Petrópolis, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael Leite Pacheco
- Centre of Health Technology Assessment, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil.,Discipline of Evidence-Based Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil.,Oxford-Brazil EBM Alliance, Petrópolis, Brazil.,Centro Universitário São Camilo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe Roitberg
- Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo/HCFMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland.,European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Andre Ilbawi
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland
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26
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Martei YM, Rick TJ, Fadelu T, Ezzi MS, Hammad N, Quadri NS, Rodrigues B, Simonds H, Grover S, Incrocci L, Vanderpuye V. Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Care Delivery in Africa: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Oncology Providers in Africa. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:368-377. [PMID: 33689484 PMCID: PMC8081536 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted cancer care globally. There are limited data of its impact in Africa. This study aims to characterize COVID-19 response strategies and impact of COVID-19 on cancer care and explore misconceptions in Africa. METHODS We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey of oncology providers in Africa between June and August 2020. Descriptive statistics and comparative analysis by income groups were performed. RESULTS One hundred twenty-two participants initiated the survey, of which 79 respondents from 18 African countries contributed data. Ninety-four percent (66 of 70) reported country mitigation and suppression strategies, similar across income groups. Unique strategies included courier service and drones for delivery of cancer medications (9 of 70 and 6 of 70, respectively). Most cancer centers remained open, but > 75% providers reported a decrease in patient volume. Not previously reported is the fear of infectivity leading to staff shortages and decrease in patient volumes. Approximately one third reported modifications of all cancer treatment modalities, resulting in treatment delays. A majority of participants reported ≤ 25 confirmed cases (44 of 68, 64%) and ≤ 5 deaths because of COVID-19 (26 of 45, 58%) among patients with cancer. Common misconceptions were that Africans were less susceptible to the virus (53 of 70, 75.7%) and decreased transmission of the virus in the African heat (44 of 70, 62.9%). CONCLUSION Few COVID-19 cases and deaths were reported among patients with cancer. However, disruptions and delays in cancer care because of the pandemic were noted. The pandemic has inspired tailored innovative solutions in clinical care delivery for patients with cancer, which may serve as a blueprint for expanding care and preparing for future pandemics. Ongoing public education should address COVID-19 misconceptions. The results may not be generalizable to the entire African continent because of the small sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehoda M. Martei
- Department of Medicine (Hematology-Oncology), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Tara J. Rick
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Nazik Hammad
- Queen's University Cancer Center of Southeastern Ontario, Kingston Health Science Center, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Belmira Rodrigues
- African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hannah Simonds
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Surbhi Grover
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Luca Incrocci
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Verna Vanderpuye
- National Center for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
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27
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Naipaul RD, Mercer RE, Chan KKW, Yeung L, Forbes L, Gavura S. Clinician Perspectives of COVID-19-Related Cancer Drug Funding Measures in Ontario. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:1056-1066. [PMID: 33652898 PMCID: PMC8025744 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28020103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on cancer patients and the delivery of cancer care. To allow clinicians to adapt treatment plans for patients, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) issued a series of interim funding measures for the province’s New Drug Funding Program (NDFP), which covers the cost of most hospital-delivered cancer drugs. To assess the utility of the measures and the need for their continuation, we conducted an online survey of Ontario oncology clinicians. The survey was open 3–25 September 2020 and generated 105 responses. Between April and June 2020, 46% of respondents changed treatment plans for more than 25% of their cancer patients due to the pandemic. Clinicians report broad use of interim funding measures. The most frequently reported strategies used were treatment breaks for stable patients (62%), extending dosing intervals (59%), and deferring routine imaging (56%). Most clinicians anticipate continuing to use these interim funding measures in the coming months. The survey showed that adapting cancer drug funding policies has supported clinical care in Ontario during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini D. Naipaul
- Provincial Drug Reimbursement Programs, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Toronto, ON M5G 2L3, Canada; (R.D.N.); (R.E.M.); (K.K.W.C.); (L.Y.); (L.F.)
| | - Rebecca E. Mercer
- Provincial Drug Reimbursement Programs, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Toronto, ON M5G 2L3, Canada; (R.D.N.); (R.E.M.); (K.K.W.C.); (L.Y.); (L.F.)
- Canadian Centre for Applied Research in Cancer Control, Toronto, ON M5G 2L3, Canada
| | - Kelvin K. W. Chan
- Provincial Drug Reimbursement Programs, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Toronto, ON M5G 2L3, Canada; (R.D.N.); (R.E.M.); (K.K.W.C.); (L.Y.); (L.F.)
- Canadian Centre for Applied Research in Cancer Control, Toronto, ON M5G 2L3, Canada
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Lyndee Yeung
- Provincial Drug Reimbursement Programs, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Toronto, ON M5G 2L3, Canada; (R.D.N.); (R.E.M.); (K.K.W.C.); (L.Y.); (L.F.)
| | - Leta Forbes
- Provincial Drug Reimbursement Programs, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Toronto, ON M5G 2L3, Canada; (R.D.N.); (R.E.M.); (K.K.W.C.); (L.Y.); (L.F.)
| | - Scott Gavura
- Provincial Drug Reimbursement Programs, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Toronto, ON M5G 2L3, Canada; (R.D.N.); (R.E.M.); (K.K.W.C.); (L.Y.); (L.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-217-1299
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28
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Mrugala MM, Ostrom QT, Pressley SM, Taylor JW, Thomas AA, Wefel JS, Coven SL, Acquaye AA, Haynes C, Agnihotri S, Lim M, Peters KB, Sulman EP, Salcido JT, Butowski NA, Hervey-Jumper S, Mansouri A, Oliver KR, Porter AB, Nassiri F, Schiff D, Dunbar EM, Hegi ME, Armstrong TS, van den Bent MJ, Chang SM, Zadeh G, Chheda MG. The state of neuro-oncology during the COVID-19 pandemic: a worldwide assessment. Neurooncol Adv 2021; 3:vdab035. [PMID: 34007966 PMCID: PMC7928618 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdab035] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It remains unknown how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed neuro-oncology clinical practice, training, and research efforts. Methods We performed an international survey of practitioners, scientists, and trainees from 21 neuro-oncology organizations across 6 continents, April 24-May 17, 2020. We assessed clinical practice and research environments, institutional preparedness and support, and perceived impact on patients. Results Of 582 respondents, 258 (45%) were US-based and 314 (55%) international. Ninety-four percent of participants reported changes in their clinical practice. Ninety-five percent of respondents converted at least some practice to telemedicine. Ten percent of practitioners felt the need to see patients in person, specifically because of billing concerns and pressure from their institutions. Sixty-seven percent of practitioners suspended enrollment for at least one clinical trial, including 62% suspending phase III trial enrollments. More than 50% believed neuro-oncology patients were at increased risk for COVID-19. Seventy-one percent of clinicians feared for their own personal safety or that of their families, specifically because of their clinical duties; 20% had inadequate personal protective equipment. While 69% reported increased stress, 44% received no psychosocial support from their institutions. Thirty-seven percent had salary reductions and 63% of researchers temporarily closed their laboratories. However, the pandemic created positive changes in perceived patient satisfaction, communication quality, and technology use to deliver care and mediate interactions with other practitioners. Conclusions The pandemic has changed treatment schedules and limited investigational treatment options. Institutional lack of support created clinician and researcher anxiety. Communication with patients was satisfactory. We make recommendations to guide clinical and scientific infrastructure moving forward and address the personal challenges of providers and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Quinn T Ostrom
- Department of Medicine, Epidemiology & Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Jennie W Taylor
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alissa A Thomas
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Wefel
- Departments of Neuro-Oncology and Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Scott L Coven
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Alvina A Acquaye
- Neuro-oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Chas Haynes
- Society for Neuro-oncology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sameer Agnihotri
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Katherine B Peters
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erik P Sulman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Brain and Spine Tumor Center, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joanne T Salcido
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Asheville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nicholas A Butowski
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shawn Hervey-Jumper
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alireza Mansouri
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State Health, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Alyx B Porter
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.,Departments of Neurologic Surgery and Hematology Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Farshad Nassiri
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Schiff
- Departments of Neurology, Neurological Surgery and Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Monika E Hegi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Terri S Armstrong
- Neuro-oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Susan M Chang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Gelareh Zadeh
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milan G Chheda
- Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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29
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Fiest KM, Parsons Leigh J, Krewulak KD, Plotnikoff KM, Kemp LG, Ng-Kamstra J, Stelfox HT. Experiences and management of physician psychological symptoms during infectious disease outbreaks: a rapid review. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:91. [PMID: 33568141 PMCID: PMC7875435 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03090-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians experienced unprecedented levels of burnout. The uncertainty of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic along with increased workload and difficult medical triage decisions may lead to a further decline in physician psychological health. METHODS We searched Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for primary research from database inception (Medline [1946], EMBASE [1974], PsycINFO [1806]) to November 17, 2020. Titles and abstracts were screened by one of three reviewers and full-text article screening and data abstraction were conducted independently, and in duplicate, by three reviewers. RESULTS From 6223 unique citations, 480 articles were reviewed in full-text, with 193 studies (of 90,499 physicians) included in the final review. Studies reported on physician psychological symptoms and management during seven infectious disease outbreaks (severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS], three strains of Influenza A virus [H1N1, H5N1, H7N9], Ebola, Middle East respiratory syndrome [MERS], and COVID-19) in 57 countries. Psychological symptoms of anxiety (14.3-92.3%), stress (11.9-93.7%), depression (17-80.5%), post-traumatic stress disorder (13.2-75.2%) and burnout (14.7-76%) were commonly reported among physicians, regardless of infectious disease outbreak or country. Younger, female (vs. male), single (vs. married), early career physicians, and those providing direct care to infected patients were associated with worse psychological symptoms. INTERPRETATION Physicians should be aware that psychological symptoms of anxiety, depression, fear and distress are common, manifest differently and self-management strategies to improve psychological well-being exist. Health systems should implement short and long-term psychological supports for physicians caring for patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten M Fiest
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary & Alberta Health Services, 3134 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, T2N4Z6, Canada.
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3134 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, T2N4Z6, Canada.
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3134 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N4Z6, Canada.
| | - Jeanna Parsons Leigh
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3134 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N4Z6, Canada
- School of Health Administration, Faculty of Health and Department of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H4R2, Canada
| | - Karla D Krewulak
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary & Alberta Health Services, 3134 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, T2N4Z6, Canada
| | - Kara M Plotnikoff
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary & Alberta Health Services, 3134 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, T2N4Z6, Canada
| | - Laryssa G Kemp
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary & Alberta Health Services, 3134 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, T2N4Z6, Canada
| | - Joshua Ng-Kamstra
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary & Alberta Health Services, 3134 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, T2N4Z6, Canada
| | - Henry T Stelfox
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary & Alberta Health Services, 3134 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, T2N4Z6, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3134 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, T2N4Z6, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3134 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N4Z6, Canada
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Loree JM, Dau H, Rebić N, Howren A, Gastonguay L, McTaggart-Cowan H, Gill S, Raghav K, De Vera MA. Virtual Oncology Appointments during the Initial Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Survey of Patient Perspectives. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:671-677. [PMID: 33499380 PMCID: PMC7924350 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There has been rapid implementation of virtual oncology appointments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in its first wave. Our objective was to assess patterns and perspectives towards virtual oncology appointments during the pandemic among patients with cancer undergoing active treatment. We conducted an international Internet-based cross-sectional survey. Participants were eligible if they (1) were ≥18 years of age; (2) had been diagnosed with cancer (3) were currently undergoing cancer treatment, and (4) spoke English or French. Between 23 April 2020 and 9 June 2020, 381 individuals accessed the survey, with 212 actively undergoing treatment for cancer, including 27% with colorectal, 21% with breast, 7% with prostate and 7% with lung cancer. A total of 52% of respondents were from Canada and 35% were from the United States. Many participants (129, 62%) indicated having had a virtual oncology appointment during the COVID-19 pandemic and most were satisfied with their experience (83%). We found older participants (≥50 years; adjusted OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.85 compared to <50 years) and those with shortest duration of treatment (≤3 months; adjusted OR 0.06; 95% CI 0 to 0.69 compared to >12 months) were less likely to be satisfied with virtual oncology appointments. Virtual health platforms used differed across countries with higher telephone use in Canada (87%) and other countries (86%) as compared to the United States (54%; p-value < 0.05), where there was higher use of video conferencing. Altogether, our findings demonstrate favorable patient perspectives towards virtual oncology appointments experienced during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M. Loree
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada; (J.M.L.); (H.M.-C.); (S.G.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Hallie Dau
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (H.D.); (N.R.); (A.H.); (L.G.)
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Nevena Rebić
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (H.D.); (N.R.); (A.H.); (L.G.)
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Alyssa Howren
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (H.D.); (N.R.); (A.H.); (L.G.)
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Louise Gastonguay
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (H.D.); (N.R.); (A.H.); (L.G.)
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Helen McTaggart-Cowan
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada; (J.M.L.); (H.M.-C.); (S.G.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Sharlene Gill
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada; (J.M.L.); (H.M.-C.); (S.G.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Kanwal Raghav
- Department of GI Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Mary A. De Vera
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (H.D.); (N.R.); (A.H.); (L.G.)
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-604-827-2138
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Yadeta TA, Dessie Y, Balis B. Magnitude and Predictors of Health Care Workers Depression During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Health Facility-Based Study in Eastern Ethiopia. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:654430. [PMID: 34335321 PMCID: PMC8319716 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.654430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Depression of health care workers was related to work absences, resignations, and poor work performance, affecting the quality of patient care and the health care system. The Coronavirus disease pandemic has had an effect on the mental health of health care workers. Health care workers are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions, may put them at higher risk to develop depression. There is limited evidence that assesses health care workers' depression and its associated factors in the study area during the Coronavirus disease pandemic. Therefore this study aimed to assess depression and associated factors among health care workers in eastern Ethiopia. Method: The cross-sectional study design was conducted from October 26th to November 15, 2020. A total of 265 health care workers from 10 health facilities participated. Patient Health Questionnaire was used for the collection of depressive symptoms. The data were analyzed by using STATA version 14 software. To assess the association between depression and the predictors Adjusted Odds Ratio along with a 95% confidence interval was estimated by using logistic regression analysis. A statistical significance was declared at p-value ≤ 0.05. Results: Of the total 265 study participant, 176 (66.4%) and 95% CI: 60.4%, 71.8% of them reported depressive symptoms. Of 176 reported symptoms of depression 27.9, 24.1, 9.4, 3.7, and 1.1% were had minimal, mild, moderate, moderate-severe, and severe depressive symptoms respectively. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the odds of depression were 2.34 times higher among female participants compared to male participants (AOR: 2.34, 95%CI: 1.09-5.02). In addition, the odds of depression for participants who perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 was 4.05 times higher among their counterpart (AOR: 4.05, 95%CI: 1.12-14.53). Conclusions: Health care workers who experienced depression in the study was high. Health care workers' mental health needs to be protected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Female health care workers and health care workers perceived susceptibility of COVID-19 need attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tesfaye Assebe Yadeta
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yadeta Dessie
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Bikila Balis
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Cléophat JE, Simon P, Chiniara G, St-Pierre L, Ahossi E, Dogba MJ, Chénier C, Dubuc É, Landry C, Vonarx N, Pilote B. How anxious were Quebec healthcare professionals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic? A web-based cross-sectional survey. Work 2021; 70:701-712. [PMID: 34719462 PMCID: PMC8673505 DOI: 10.3233/wor-210525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may cause significant anxiety among healthcare professionals (HCPs). COVID-19-related psychological impacts on HCPs in Western countries have received relatively little attention. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the levels of anxiety in HCPs working in the province of Quebec (Canada) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and identify factors associated with changes in anxiety scores. METHODS An exploratory online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Quebec HCPs from April to July 2020. The Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure state anxiety among HCPs. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS A total of 426 HCPs completed the survey. Anxiety scores ranged from 20 to 75 points, with 80 being the highest possible value on the STAI scale. Being a female HCP [B = 5.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.49-9.3] and declaring having the intention to avoid caring for patients with COVID-19 (B = 3.75, 95% CI: 1.29-6.22) were associated with increased anxiety scores. Having more years of experience was associated with decreased anxiety scores [B = -0.2, 95% CI: -0.32-(-0.08)]. CONCLUSION Organizational strategies aimed at preventing and relieving anxiety should target junior female HCPs who express the intention to avoid caring for patients with COVID-19. Seniority could become an important criterion in selecting frontline HCPs during pandemics. Further studies are needed to comprehensively examine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian HCPs and identify evidence-based coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philippe Simon
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Gilles Chiniara
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Liette St-Pierre
- Department of Nursing, Quebec University in Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Eusèbe Ahossi
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Maman Joyce Dogba
- Department of Family Medicine and EmergencyMedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | | | - Éric Dubuc
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Landry
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Vonarx
- Faculty of Nursing, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Bruno Pilote
- Faculty of Nursing, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Research Centerfor Sustainable Health, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Wu JTY, Kwon DH, Glover MJ, Henry S, Wood D, Rubin DL, Koshkin VS, Schapira L, Shah SA. Changes in Cancer Management due to COVID-19 Illness in Patients with Cancer in Northern California. JCO Oncol Pract 2020; 17:e377-e385. [PMID: 33332170 PMCID: PMC8462649 DOI: 10.1200/op.20.00790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the management of patients with cancer. In this pooled retrospective analysis, we describe changes in management patterns for patients with cancer diagnosed with COVID-19 in two academic institutions in the San Francisco Bay Area. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with COVID-19 with a current or historical diagnosis of malignancy were identified from the electronic medical record at the University of California, San Francisco, and Stanford University. The proportion of patients undergoing active cancer management whose care was affected was quantified and analyzed for significant differences with regard to management type, treatment intent, and the time of COVID-19 diagnosis. The duration and characteristics of such changes were compared across subgroups. RESULTS A total of 131 patients were included, of whom 55 were undergoing active cancer management. Of these, 35 of 55 (64%) had significant changes in management that consisted primarily of delays. An additional three patients not undergoing active cancer management experienced a delay in management after being diagnosed with COVID-19. The decision to change management was correlated with the time of COVID-19 diagnosis, with more delays identified in patients treated with palliative intent earlier in the course of the pandemic (March/April 2020) compared with later (May/June 2020) (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.03 to 17.3; P = .0497). This difference was not seen among patients treated with curative intent during the same timeframe. CONCLUSION We found significant changes in the management of cancer patients with COVID-19 treated with curative and palliative intent that evolved over time. Future studies are needed to determine the impact of changes in management and treatment on cancer outcomes for patients with cancer and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Tsu-Yu Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Daniel H Kwon
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Michael J Glover
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Solomon Henry
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Douglas Wood
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Daniel L Rubin
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Vadim S Koshkin
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lidia Schapira
- Department of Medical Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Sumit A Shah
- Department of Medical Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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Büssing A, Hübner J, Walter S, Gießler W, Büntzel J. Tumor Patients´ Perceived Changes of Specific Attitudes, Perceptions, and Behaviors Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Relation to Reduced Wellbeing. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:574314. [PMID: 33192703 PMCID: PMC7581913 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.574314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Working Group "Prevention and Integrative Oncology" (PRIO) in the German Cancer Society has initiated flash interviews and surveys. One of these stated increasing rates of fears and mental stress of tumor patients. Now we aimed to analyze whether tumor patients did perceive changes in their attitudes and behaviors related to their relationships, awareness of nature and quietness, interest in spiritual issues, or feelings of worries and isolation. A further point of interest was how these perceived changes could be predicted, either by meaning in life, spirituality as a resource to cope, perceived fears and worries, or particularly by their wellbeing. MATERIALS AND METHODS Online survey with standardized questionnaires (i.e., WHO-Five Well-being Index (WHO5), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Spiritual and Religious Attitudes to cope with illness (SpREUK-15), Gratitude/Awe scale (GrAw-7)) among 292 tumor patients (72% men; mean age 66.7 ± 10.8 years; 25% < 60 years, 33% 60-70 years, 41% > 70 years) from Germany between May 6 to June 10, 2020. RESULTS Patients´ wellbeing (WHO5) scores were in the lower range (14.7 ± 6.0); 35% scored < 13, indicating depressive states. Wellbeing was significantly higher in older persons and lower in younger ones (F=11.1, p<.0001). Most were irritated by different statements about the danger and the course of the corona infection in the public media (60%), and 57% were worrying to be infected and to have a complicated course of disease. Because of the restrictions, patients noticed changes in their attitudes and behaviors (measured with the 12-item Perceptions of Change Scale): 1) Perception of nature and silence (Cronbach´s alpha = .82), 2) Worrying reflections and loneliness (Cronbach´s alpha = .80), 3) Interest in spirituality (Cronbach´s alpha = .91), 4) Intense relationships (Cronbach´s alpha = .64). These perceptions of change were similar in women and men, age groups and also with respect to tumor stages. Regression analyses revealed that the factor Perception of nature and silence was predicted best by patients´ ability to value and experience the 'wonder' of the present moment (in terms of wondering awe and gratitude) and by patients´ search for meaning in life. The factor Worrying reflections and loneliness was predicted best by their search for meaning in life and by feelings of being under pressure because of the Corona pandemic. Interest in spirituality was predicted best by search for an access to a spiritual source and by frequency of praying. Intense relationships were explained with weak predictive power by patients´ ability to reflect life concerns. Patients´ wellbeing during the Corona pandemic was predicted (R2 =.57) by a mix of disease and pandemic related stressor, and by available resources (meaning in life and religious trust). CONCLUSION In this study among tumor patients from a secular society the topics meaning in life, having (religious) trust, stable relationships, mindful encounter with nature, and times of reflection were found to be of importance. To overcome tumor patients´ feelings of isolation, depressive states, and insecurity about future perspectives, further support is needed, particularly in their socio-spatial surrounding. These are the domains of psychotherapy and spiritual care. The planned integration of structured access to spiritual care seems to be important, not only for the field of cancer care. As the findings refer to patients´ self-perceptions, longitudinal studies are required to substantiate these perceived changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arndt Büssing
- Professorship Quality of Life, Spirituality and Coping, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany
- Working Group “Prevention and Integrative Oncology” (PRIO) in the German Cancer Society, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jutta Hübner
- Working Group “Prevention and Integrative Oncology” (PRIO) in the German Cancer Society, Berlin, Germany
- Professorship Integrative Oncology, Medical Clinic II, University Clinic Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang Gießler
- Department Hematology/Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Clinic Wetzlar, Wetzlar, Germany
| | - Jens Büntzel
- Working Group “Prevention and Integrative Oncology” (PRIO) in the German Cancer Society, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology, Palliative Care Unit, Südharz Clinic Nordhausen, Nordhausen, Germany
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Yildiz F, Oksuzoglu B. Teleoncology or telemedicine for oncology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: the new normal for breast cancer survivors? Future Oncol 2020; 16:2191-2195. [PMID: 32857603 PMCID: PMC7462125 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Telemedicine is seen as a savior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials & methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted with cancer patients who were interviewed via telemedicine from a tertiary care comprehensive oncology center. Results: A total of 421 patients were included in the study and 118 of them (28.0%) were >65 years old. Communication was provided most frequently by voice call (n = 213; 50.5%). The majority of the patients contacted by telemedicine had breast cancer (n = 270; 64.1%). For 135 patients (32.1%) no further examination or intervention was required and the previously planned follow-up visit was postponed by the clinician. Conclusion: This study showed that telemedicine could open a new era for medical oncology specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Yildiz
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Dr AY Ankara Oncology Training & Research Hospital, Ankara 06200, Turkey
| | - Berna Oksuzoglu
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Dr AY Ankara Oncology Training & Research Hospital, Ankara 06200, Turkey
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Abd-alrazaq A, Schneider J, Mifsud B, Alam T, Househ M, Hamdi M, Shah Z. A Comprehensive Overview of the COVID-19 Literature: Machine Learning–Based Bibliometric Analysis (Preprint).. [DOI: 10.2196/preprints.23703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Shortly after the emergence of COVID-19, researchers rapidly mobilized to study numerous aspects of the disease such as its evolution, clinical manifestations, effects, treatments, and vaccinations. This led to a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19–related publications. Identifying trends and areas of interest using traditional review methods (eg, scoping and systematic reviews) for such a large domain area is challenging.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to conduct an extensive bibliometric analysis to provide a comprehensive overview of the COVID-19 literature.
METHODS
We used the COVID-19 Open Research Dataset (CORD-19) that consists of a large number of research articles related to all coronaviruses. We used a machine learning–based method to analyze the most relevant COVID-19–related articles and extracted the most prominent topics. Specifically, we used a clustering algorithm to group published articles based on the similarity of their abstracts to identify research hotspots and current research directions. We have made our software accessible to the community via GitHub.
RESULTS
Of the 196,630 publications retrieved from the database, we included 28,904 in our analysis. The mean number of weekly publications was 990 (SD 789.3). The country that published the highest number of COVID-19–related articles was China (2950/17,270, 17.08%). The highest number of articles were published in bioRxiv. Lei Liu affiliated with the Southern University of Science and Technology in China published the highest number of articles (n=46). Based on titles and abstracts alone, we were able to identify 1515 surveys, 733 systematic reviews, 512 cohort studies, 480 meta-analyses, and 362 randomized control trials. We identified 19 different topics covered among the publications reviewed. The most dominant topic was public health response, followed by clinical care practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical characteristics and risk factors, and epidemic models for its spread.
CONCLUSIONS
We provide an overview of the COVID-19 literature and have identified current hotspots and research directions. Our findings can be useful for the research community to help prioritize research needs and recognize leading COVID-19 researchers, institutes, countries, and publishers. Our study shows that an AI-based bibliometric analysis has the potential to rapidly explore a large corpus of academic publications during a public health crisis. We believe that this work can be used to analyze other eHealth-related literature to help clinicians, administrators, and policy makers to obtain a holistic view of the literature and be able to categorize different topics of the existing research for further analyses. It can be further scaled (for instance, in time) to clinical summary documentation. Publishers should avoid noise in the data by developing a way to trace the evolution of individual publications and unique authors.
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Majeed H. Oncology care in the era of pandemics. Curr Oncol 2020; 27:69. [PMID: 32489247 PMCID: PMC7253751 DOI: 10.3747/co.27.6647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the declaration by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020 of a global pandemic from sars-cov-2, the public health impact on broader society has been unprecedented. [...]
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Affiliation(s)
- H Majeed
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON
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