ABSTRACT
Background: During the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus pandemic in Spain, the care of cancer patients was altered in all aspects and in all phases of the cancer patients’ paths, especially in determined areas of population. Given the seriousness of the situation, specific actions were implemented from Spanish Society of Oncology Nursing on behalf of oncology nurses in Spain, with the aim of (a)minimizing the risk of contracting the coronavirus disease and (b) continuing to guarantee the best assistance as possible. Methods: Working and coordination meetings were established, and we planned different strategies and lines of action. This planning was carried out in an open and permanent way to be able to introduce changes and improvements with capacity to adapt in the face of uncertainty. We evolved all the team work into an uninterrupted chain of communication leading to the board, as well as the continuity of the work within the scientific society was ensured. Results: All the proposed actions were implemented successfully, through emails, with dissemination both through social networks and newsletters. a) Safe circuits were established for the care of cancer patients at the hospitals, limited number of companions, antigenic testing from early April. A telephone follow-up was implemented for both outpatient visits and information. b) Training actions: webinars on the correct use of a mask. Protective measures, hand washing. From the very beginning, early march 2020, we strongly recommended all cancer patients to wear a mask, c) Publications: Recommendations on infection and Positioning against health strategies in collaboration with other scientific and patient societies for adult and pediatric patients, and their families. Conclusions: It was possible to continue with adequate care and several actions to improve care have been promoted, although the greatest impact has been detected in new diagnoses (1 in 5 cancer patients have not been diagnosed or have been diagnosed late). The impact of the first wave has been controlled and mitigated, however, persistently, we will have a delay in the implementation of treatments. We estimate that a large part of the delays in the first diagnosis or in the implementation of treatments may be due to the pandemic situation. Legal entity responsible for the study: The authors. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.