Coronavirus disease 2019 and radiation oncology-survey on the impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic on health care professionals in radiation oncology.

BACKGROUND: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has changed the lives of most humans worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the SARS-CoV­2 pandemic on health care professionals (HCPs) in radiation oncology facilities. METHODS: We distributed an online survey to HCPs in radiation oncology (physicians, medical physics experts, radiology assistants/radiation therapists, nurses, and administrative personnel). The survey was completed by 334 participants between May 23 and June 9, 2020. RESULTS: In 66.2% of the cases, HCPs reported a shortage of protective clothing. The protective measures were regarded as very reasonable by 47.4%, while 0.8% regarded them as not reasonable (rather reasonable: 44.0%; less reasonable 7.8%). 29.0% of the participants had children who needed care. The most frequently used care options were public emergency childcare (36.1%) and private childcare (e.g. relatives/friends). HCPs reported about additional work burden (fully agreed: 27.2%, rather agreed: 34.4%, less agreed: 28.2%, not agreed: 10.2%), and reduced work satisfaction (fully agreed: 11.7%, rather agreed: 29.6%, less agreed: 39.8%, not agreed: 18.9%). 12.9% and 29.0% of the participants were fully or rather mentally strained (less mentally strained: 44.0%, not mentally strained: 14.1%). CONCLUSION: We must learn from this pandemic how to prepare for further outbreaks and similar conditions. This includes the vast availability of protective clothing and efficient tracing of infection chains among the HCPs, but also secured childcare programs and experienced mental health support are crucial. Further, work satisfaction and appreciation by employers is essential.

Web-Based Patient Self-Reported Outcome After Radiotherapy in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: Survey on Acceptance of Digital Tools.

BACKGROUND: eHealth and mobile health (mHealth) are an evolving trend in the medical field. The acceptance of digital tools is high, and the need is growing. OBJECTIVE: Young adults (18-40 years) confronted with a cancer diagnosis present unique needs and require special care. They often have a strong affinity and are familiar with modern technology. On that account, we implemented a web-based symptom and quality of life (QoL) assessment to address patients' attitudes and willingness to use mHealth tools. The study also aims to evaluate sociodemographic parameters that could influence patients' opinions. METHODS: A total of 380 young patients aged 18-40 treated with radiotherapy between 2002 and 2017 were included in the trial. We assessed QoL via the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Core 30 (EORTC C30) questionnaire and added general questions about mHealth technology. The added questions inquired patients' opinions regarding general aspects, including technical advances in medicine, mobile and app assistance during cancer treatment, data transfer, and app-specific features. The survey was conducted for 12 months. Participation was voluntary and pseudonymized; prior written consent was obtained. RESULTS: We achieved a participation rate of 57.6% (219/380) and a completion rate of 50.2% (110/219). The median age was 33 years (range 18-40). Of all participants, 89.1% (98/110) considered new technologies in medicine as positive; 10.9% (12/110) answered with neutral. Nearly all patients (96.4%, 106/110) stated that they would send further data via a web-based platform. Of all, 96.4% (106/110) considered the provided pseudonymization of their data as safe. We further asked the patients if they would use a mobile app for symptom and QoL assessment similar to the present web-based system: 74.5% (82/110) answered with yes and 25.5% (28/110) said they would not use a mobile app in the future. We tested the willingness to use an app on several sociodemographic parameters, such as age, gender, education, health insurance status, and cancer-related parameters: tumor stage, time since radiation treatment, and treatment intention. None of these parameters correlated with app use in this group of young adults. Patients who were generally positive regarding using an app rated several possible functions of a future app. The 3 most requested features were appointment reminders (89.0%, 73/82), contact overview of all involved clinics and physicians (87%, 71/82), and making an appointment via app (78%, 64/82). CONCLUSIONS: eHealth and mHealth tools should be available as an integrated part of a comprehensive cancer care approach. It provides automated, thorough documentation of health parameters during therapy and follow-up for doctors, medical staff, and tumor patients to optimize treatment. With this study, we could show that young adults are the ideal patient population to use eHealth/mHealth tools. Such tools offer further digital support and improve the patients' need for constant QoL during cancer care.