ABSTRACT
Summary The field of vaccination has advanced by leaps and bounds;however, effective and novel vaccines are yet to be developed, especially for rapidly spreading coronavirusdisease 2019 (COVID-19)/SARS-CoV2. Many vaccines are created using conventionalapproaches to eradicate COVID-2019, which is presently a global threat. Evenvaccines using nanotechnology are also in the race. Nanotechnology has acceleratedthe evolution of newer vaccines that are safe and highly effective in eradicating theSARS-CoV2. Nanovaccines (NVs) were developed recently where new drugs can beaccommodated through nanoparticle (NP) carriers. The similar nanosize betweenthe nano-scaled materials and pathogens ensures optimal trigger response of theimmune system, resulting in satisfactory cellular and humoral immunity responses.Targeted delivery of NPs results in enhanced antibody response, improved stabilitycoupled with longer duration drug release, and prolonged immunogenic memory.This chapter highlights recently developed antiviral nanovaccines against COVID-19. Although the development of NVs is in the infancy stage and few are in the earlyclinical phases, we firmly believe the newer generation of NVs have greater possibilityof treatment and prevention of bacterial and viral infections. Background The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care during the first 6 months of the pandemic has been significant. The National Navigation Roundtable Workforce Development Task Group conducted a national survey to highlight the role of patient navigators (PNs). Methods An anonymous online survey captured how cancer care navigation changed during 2 phases: 1) March 13 to May 31, 2020;and 2) June 1 to September 4, 2020. Differences between the 2 time periods for categorical variables were assessed using ?2 tests, and 1-way analyses of variance were used for ordinal variables. Results Almost one-half of PNs expected changes in duties (49%) during phase 1. By phase 2, PNs showed greater confidence in retaining PN work (P < .001) and reduced changes to duties (P < .01). PNs reported new training on COVID-19 and telehealth during phase 1 (64% and 27%, respectively) and phase 2 (54% and 19%, respectively). Significant decreases in service delays were identified by phase 2 for cancer screening (P < .001), preventive care (P < .001), medical treatment (P < .01), cancer treatment (P < .001), and cancer survivorship services (P < .01). PNs reported that the top patient issues were COVID-19 concerns, medical care disruptions, and finances, and there were decreases in medical care disruptions (P < .01) during phase 2. PNs addressed myths related to mask use, COVID-19 spread, disbelief, risk, clinical changes, transmission prevention, and finances/politics. Conclusions The PN role demonstrated resiliency and adaptability. Both clinical and nonclinical oncology PNs identified key patient needs and can provide connections with patient populations that have been economically and socially marginalized, which is necessary to build trust throughout the pandemic.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care during the first 6 months of the pandemic has been significant. The National Navigation Roundtable Workforce Development Task Group conducted a national survey to highlight the role of patient navigators (PNs). METHODS: An anonymous online survey captured how cancer care navigation changed during 2 phases: 1) March 13 to May 31, 2020; and 2) June 1 to September 4, 2020. Differences between the 2 time periods for categorical variables were assessed using χ2 tests, and 1-way analyses of variance were used for ordinal variables. RESULTS: Almost one-half of PNs expected changes in duties (49%) during phase 1. By phase 2, PNs showed greater confidence in retaining PN work (P < .001) and reduced changes to duties (P < .01). PNs reported new training on COVID-19 and telehealth during phase 1 (64% and 27%, respectively) and phase 2 (54% and 19%, respectively). Significant decreases in service delays were identified by phase 2 for cancer screening (P < .001), preventive care (P < .001), medical treatment (P < .01), cancer treatment (P < .001), and cancer survivorship services (P < .01). PNs reported that the top patient issues were COVID-19 concerns, medical care disruptions, and finances, and there were decreases in medical care disruptions (P < .01) during phase 2. PNs addressed myths related to mask use, COVID-19 spread, disbelief, risk, clinical changes, transmission prevention, and finances/politics. CONCLUSIONS: The PN role demonstrated resiliency and adaptability. Both clinical and nonclinical oncology PNs identified key patient needs and can provide connections with patient populations that have been economically and socially marginalized, which is necessary to build trust throughout the pandemic.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cancer Survivors , Patient Navigation , COVID-19/epidemiology , Early Detection of Cancer , Humans , Medical OncologyABSTRACT
Background: The Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators conducted a 4-day virtual, live-streamed conference that provided a forum for dialogue among participating navigators who provide navigation survivorship care services for oncology patients. General sessions and breakout meetings fostered discussion regarding the complexities of the cancer care continuum, financial considerations, access to screening and treatment, the impact of personalized care, psychosocial considerations, and the challenges of various healthcare delivery models. A literature review showed that the high interactivity and networking in virtual learning creates an effective learning environment.1,2 Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the 2021 educational activity, participants were expected to be able to: * Describe the role of navigators in supporting personalized cancer care * Evaluate best practices in building an oncology navigator program * Define the role of navigators in advising cancer patients on COVID screening * Incorporate information regarding various navigation models and best practices to improve the quality of cancer patient care * Describe best practices in financial navigation for cancer patients and their caregivers Methods: To gauge the audience's understanding of navigation, they were surveyed about their years of experience and awareness of navigation performance improvement initiatives and the associations between cancer and mental health. Changes in audience knowledge and competencies were evaluated using a pre- and postactivity survey and a 3-month follow-up survey on self-reported practice changes. Results: The meeting was attended by 235 practitioners from 40 states. Sixty-three percent were practicing in community settings, and 92% of attendees were nurse navigators. Fifty-four percent of practitioners completing the survey stated they had worked with oncology patients in their present position for 0 to 5 years. In a presurvey, 63% of attendees stated they were very familiar or familiar with the role of the navigator in performance improvement initiatives, and 72% of attendees were confident in their familiarity with the associations between cancer and mental health. As a result of their participation in this activity and interacting with other participants in the chat mode, 100% of the participants strongly agreed or agreed that they were better able to meet the learning objectives of the conference. On the 3-month follow-up, 67% stated they had made changes to their practice because of their participation in the conference, with the focus of change centered around patient education (39%), documentation (24%), and treatment approach (17%). Conclusions: As evidence in the literature demonstrates that virtual learning creates effective learning environments, this format enables all levels of personnel to interact, share best practices, build professional confidence, and learn care strategies that can result in changes to their current practice. Oncology navigation continues to grow as a field, and virtual learning environments will help foster its ongoing development.