ABSTRACT
Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has been declared a pandemic unprecedented. Italy has been one of the first and heavily affected countries. The hematologic toxicity due to chemotherapy is the main reason why cancer patients are considered fragile patients, due to the high risk of infection. This led to important restrictions and recommendations during first and even more during second peak of COVID-19 pandemic with the prohibition of caregivers admission. In the above scenario, our study has the aim of evaluating the impact of COVID19 pandemic in caregiving in oncology. Materials and Methods: Between 02/09 and 04/02 2021 our team conducted a cross-sectional study by submitting a survey to caregivers of patients with solid cancer undergoing active treatments in Oncologic Departments of Marche region. An anonymous, paper questionnaire regarding perception of patient safety and continuity of care was submitted. Results: A total of 112 caregivers responded to our survey. The majority of them were between 46 and 65 years old (46.4%), female (57%), declared to take care of the patient for 0-2 hours/day (36.6%) and declared to have increased assistance time during the pandemic (59.3%). Half of the participants declared there were no economic difficulties in assistance of their relatives and more than half (55.4 %, n=62) did not report major change in this setting. Almost all caregivers (99.1%) declared that the Oncology Departments has complied with the safety recommendations to limit virus spread. Although 86 (76.8%) of them confirmed that access has been restricted due to pandemic, only 10 caregivers (8.9%) perceived these precautions too restrictive, while 107 ( 95.5%) of the all sample defined them effective. Despite these constraints, approximately all respondents declared that they had the chance to dialogue with health care providers and had the possibility to access the oncologic department if necessary (respectively 106 subjects, 94.6% and 101, 90.1%). Moreover, more than half of caregivers (n=57, 50.9%) perceived that the quality of care has not been affected by the pandemic. Conclusions: Despite the COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed the Italian National Health System, maybe more than in other countries, Oncology Departments was considered worthy of the emergency care in terms of safety and care management by caregivers. Caregivers perceived and believed in an adequate quality of care for their relatives without economic implications.
ABSTRACT
Background: COVID 19 pandemic was a health emergency that required a rapid response by the Italian National Health System. Healthcare professionals needed to be properly trained and informed about their patients' procedures and proper management. During an emergency, the information must be exhaustive, clear and timely to allow correct diagnostic and therapeutic continuity. It is also important that all health workers are promptly and homogeneously trained to guarantee the best treatment path even during pandemic. Our survey aimed to investigate the level of information and training of health workers in oncology during the pandemic and, in particular, the difference in perception between under and over 35 years operators. Material and Methods: An on-line multiple choices survey was submitted to oncology health workers during the pandemic to investigate individual perception of resources, information and staff training management by hospital centers. No open questions were included. Results: A total of 383 health workers replied to the survey (116 under 35 years versus 267 over 35 years). In the under 35s group a total of 65% declared they had been timely and sufficiently informed to understand the extent of the problem compared to 50% of over 35 (p=0.007). About 80% of young professionals were adequately informed and two thirds (63%) was formed about procedures/ recommendations to be followed during the pandemic. But in professionals over 35 only 56% declared to have the right information and over 65% did not feel adequately trained (p= <0.01). Furthermore, 44% of over 35 felt not sufficiently prepared for the management of the cancer patient during an epidemic compared to only 28% of the under 35 (p=0.015). Conclusions: The survey showed a different perception of information and training of healthcare professionals based on the age group. This could be determined by a different degree of task and responsibility but also by the greater and faster readiness of the younger operators to acquire new information and to draw a renewed ability to face an emergency by reorganizing themselves quickly and actively.
ABSTRACT
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has been declared global pandemic and Italy is one of the first and heavily affected countries. Cancer patients are a population at higher risk from COVID-19 both for intrinsic fragility bound to their underlying disease and oncologic treatment delay. Aim of our survey was to investigate how cancer patients perceived their health condition, their clinical management and information communication by their medical oncologists during the pandemic. Methods: Between 15th April and 1st May 2020 a survey was submitted to cancer patients under treatment at hospitals of Marche Region which had been invested by the pandemic. It consisted of questions regarding the perception of personal safety, continuity of cancer care and information quality provided by the Oncology Department and individual psychological distress. Results: A total of 661 patients participated in the survey;60.2% was female and 40.4% was aged between 46 and 65. Almost all of the attendees (97.7%) stated that the Oncologic Department complied with the appropriate safety standards and 78% was reassured about their concerns during the medical interview, but 41% was worried of being at higher risk of infection upon entry into the Oncology Department and 53.3% felt being at greater risk of infection because of chemotherapy treatment in general. The majority of the participants (62.2%) felt that postponing cancer treatment could reduce its efficacy, however 80% declared they did not feel abandoned at the time of treatment delay. 79.4% of the attendees felt more worried for their underlying disease in this emergency situation, but the mood worsened only for 34.2% of the participants. Conclusions: Our survey reveals that Oncology Departments have been considered worthy of the emergency in terms of safety standards and care management by cancer patients. However, the majority of attendees perceived the mutual negative influence between their underlying oncologic disease and risk of Sars-CoV-2 infection and manifested concerns about their health condition highlighting the need for special measures to ensure safe continuity of care.
ABSTRACT
Background: The spread of Coronavirus disease brought the need to reorganize clinical activity in oncology. Cancer patients are very vulnerable and it is well known that their treatment has to be strictly planned. The most critical considerations still relate to the entry of the virus into hospitals, the heart of healthcare, where cancer patients are protected. Instead, during COVID19 pandemic the oncologic department had to limit access to care to protect patients from a more dangerous disease for them, witnessing a paradox of health care. This brought with it worries in oncologic healthcare professionals in replanning activities in order to guarantee therapeutic continuity and quality of care. It is well known that physicians and nurses have different role concepts and role expectations. The purpose of our study was to investigate doctors and nurses' perception on cancer patient reorganization during the COVID19 pandemic in a sample of Italian healthcare professionals in oncology. Methods: We submitted a survey to oncologic healthcare workers (physicians and nurses) of Italian National Health Care System during Pandemic to investigate clinical activity reorganization and cancer patient management through 12 closed questions. The survey promoted by Clinica Oncologica, AOU Riuniti di Ancona-Universita Politecnica delle Marche was electronic and anonymous. Results: A total of 383 oncology health workers completed the survey, 60 nurses (15%) and 323 physicians (85%). 60% of interviewed physicians perceived qualitatively lower than usual the therapeutic path of patients taken in charge in this historical moment, while 45% of nurses declared it was the same (p<0.01). The continuity of the multidisciplinary team was defined as guaranteed for 68% of oncologists, while almost 40% of nurses declared to not know it. Almost all physicians (95%) answered that their clinical activity was reorganized, compared to a lower portion of nurses (80%) that replanned their care role (p<0.01). Deferring treatments caused fear and anxiety in 62% of physicians and 46% of nurses (p=0.027). Conclusions: The survey underlined the need to integrate skills and involve all professional figures in planning cancer patients' treatment to guarantee optimal therapeutic strategies and a global take in charge in all its details, even during emergencies.
ABSTRACT
Background: After COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, a response from the Italian Health System to react to an unprecedented condition became necessary and sudden. COVID-19 pandemic required oncologists to redefine clinical organization and management of cancer patients. The aim of our study was to take a picture of the situation of Italian oncologies and to evaluate the difficulties in patients management. Methods: Between 18th March and 9th April 2020 we conducted an online survey (Google Forms). It consisted of 45 questions ranging from individual perception of pandemic management by oncological centers to physicians and nurses psychological distress and patient care. The survey was anonymous and broadcasted to oncology health workers by mailing contacts, word of mouth and social networks. Results: A total of 383 oncology health workers participated in the survey. The majority was female (72%) and from central Italy (46%). Impressively, a total of 357 (93%) participants declared the Oncologic Department reorganized routine clinical activity, but only 41% was adequately trained about the required procedures. 20% of the survey attendees think they have not received adequate and timely protective devices with respect to clinical needs and according to 58% the supply of these devices was only partial. 34% of professionals declared they do not have or know a defined common guideline to reschedule patients' treatments. More than 80% of interviewees declared to feel worry about being at greater risk of contagion than the general population, 92% feared to transmit virus to family members. Deferring treatments has caused fear / anxiety in 228 of the interviewed (60%). Symptoms of stressful situations emerged with a deterioration in sleep quality in 62% of professionals, worsening of mood (69%) and lower concentration ability (49%). Conclusions: Our survey demonstrated the flexibility of oncologic teams. However, the emergency response quality has been heterogeneous, and several drawbacks emerged from this first analyses. Information, protection, testing and training of healthcare professionals are keywords that should be kept in mind to encourage recovery after this tragedy and to be ready to face a similar emergency in the next future.
ABSTRACT
Background: After COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, a response from theItalian Health System to react to an unprecedented condition became necessary and sudden. COVID- 19 pandemicrequired oncologists to redefine clinical organization and management of cancer patients. The aim of our study wasto take a picture of the situation of Italian oncologies and to evaluate the difficulties in patients' management. Methods: Between 18th March and 9th April 2020 we conducted an online survey (Google Forms). It consisted of45 questions ranging from individual perception of pandemic management by oncologic centers to physicians' andnurses' psychological distress and patient care. The survey was anonymous and broadcast to oncology healthworkers by mailing contacts, word of mouth, and social networks. Results: A total of 383 oncology health workers participated in the survey. The majority was female (72%) and fromcentral Italy (46%). Impressively, a total of 357 (93%) participants declared the Oncologic Department reorganizedroutine clinical activity, but only 41% were adequately trained about the required procedures. 20% of the surveyattendees thought they had not received adequate and timely protective devices with respect to clinical needs, andaccording to 58% the supply of these devices was only partial. 34% of professionals declared that they did not haveor know a defined common guideline to reschedule patients' treatments. More than 80% of interviewees declaredfeeling worried about being at greater risk of contagion than the general population, and 92% feared to transmitvirus to family members. Deferring treatments has caused fear/anxiety in 228 of the interviewed (60%). Symptomsof stressful situations emerged with a deterioration in sleep quality in 62% of professionals, worsening of mood(69%), and lower concentration ability (49%). Conclusions: Our survey demonstrated the flexibility of oncologic teams. However, the emergency response qualityhas been heterogeneous, and several drawbacks emerged from this first analysis. Information, protection, testing, and training of health care professionals are keywords that should be kept in mind to encourage recovery after thistragedy and to be ready to face a similar emergency in the near future.
ABSTRACT
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic was a health emergency that required a rapid response by the ItalianNational Health System. Health care professionals needed to be properly trained and informed about their patients'procedures and proper management. During an emergency, the information must be exhaustive, clear, and timely toallow correct diagnostic and therapeutic continuity. It is also important that all health workers are promptly andhomogeneously trained to guarantee the best treatment path even during the pandemic. Our survey aimed toinvestigate the level of information and training of health workers in oncology during the pandemic and, in particular, the difference in perception between operators under and over 35 years of age. Materials and Methods: An on-line multiple-choice survey was submitted to oncology health workers during thepandemic, investigating individual perception of resources, information, and staff training management by hospitalcenters. No open questions were included. Results: A total of 383 health workers replied to the survey (116 under 35 years versus 267 over 35 years). In theunder-35 group, a total of 65% declared they had been timely and sufficiently informed to understand the extent ofthe problem compared to 50% of those over 35 (P=0.007). About 80% of young professionals were adequatelyinformed and two thirds (63%) were informed about procedures/recommendations to be followed during thepandemic. However, in professionals over 35, only 56% declared they had the right information and over 65% didnot feel adequately trained (P= <0.01). Furthermore, 44% of those over 35 felt not sufficiently prepared for themanagement of the cancer patient during an epidemic compared to only 28% of those under 35 (P=0.015). Conclusion: The survey showed a different perception of information and training of health care professionalsbased on the age group. This could be determined by a different degree of task and responsibility but also by thegreater and faster readiness of the younger operators to acquire new information and to draw on a renewed abilityto face an emergency by reorganizing themselves quickly and actively.
ABSTRACT
Background: The spread of coronavirus disease brought the need to reorganize clinical activity in oncology. Cancerpatients are very vulnerable, and it is well known that their treatment has to be strictly planned. The most criticalconsiderations still relate to the entry of the virus into hospitals, the heart of health care, where cancer patients areprotected. Instead, during the COVID19 pandemic the oncologic department had to limit access to care to protectpatients from a more dangerous disease for them, witnessing a paradox of health care. This brought with it worriesin oncologic health care professionals in replanning activities in order to guarantee therapeutic continuity and qualityof care. It is well known that physicians and nurses have different role concepts and role expectations. The purposeof our study was to investigate doctors' and nurses' perception of cancer patient reorganization during the COVID19pandemic in a sample of Italian health care professionals in oncology. Methods: We submitted a survey to oncologic health care workers (physicians and nurses) of Italian NationalHealth Care System during the pandemic to investigate clinical activity reorganization and cancer patientmanagement through 12 closed questions. The survey promoted by Clinica Oncologica, AOU Riuniti di Ancona-Università Politecnica delle Marche was electronic and anonymous. Results: A total of 383 oncology health workers completed the survey, 60 nurses (15%) and 323 physicians (85%).60% of interviewed physicians perceived qualitatively lower than usual the therapeutic path of patients taken incharge in this historical moment, while 45% of nurses declared it was the same (P<0.01). The continuity of themultidisciplinary team was defined as guaranteed for 68% of oncologists, while almost 40% of nurses declared tonot know it. Almost all physicians (95%) answered that their clinical activity was reorganized, compared to a lowerportion of nurses (80%) who replanned their care role (p<0.01). Deferring treatments caused fear and anxiety in62% of physicians and 46% of nurses (P=0.027). Conclusion: The survey underlined the need to integrate skills and involve all professional figures in planningcancer patients' treatment to guarantee optimal therapeutic strategies and a global take in charge in all its details, even during emergencies.
ABSTRACT
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has been declared a global pandemic, and Italyis one of the first and most heavily affected countries. Cancer patients are a population at higher risk from COVID-19 both for intrinsic fragility bound to their underlying disease and oncologic treatment delay. The aim of our survey was to investigate how cancer patients perceived their health condition, their clinical management, and informationcommunication by their medical oncologists during the pandemic. Methods: Between 15th April and 1st May, 2020, a survey was submitted to cancer patients under treatment athospitals of Marche Region that had been invested by the pandemic. It consisted of questions regarding theperception of personal safety, continuity of cancer care, and information quality provided by the OncologyDepartment and individual psychological distress. Results: A total of 661 patients participated in the survey;60.2% were female and 40.4% were aged between 46and 65. Almost all of the attendees (97.7%) stated that the Oncologic Department complied with the appropriatesafety standards, and 78% were reassured about their concerns during the medical interview, but 41% were worriedof being at higher risk of infection upon entry into the Oncology Department and 53.3% felt at greater risk of infectionbecause of chemotherapy treatment in general. The majority of the participants (62.2%) felt that postponing cancertreatment could reduce its efficacy;however, 80% declared they did not feel abandoned at the time of treatmentdelay. 79.4% of the attendees felt more worried for their underlying disease in this emergency situation, but themood worsened for only 34.2% of the participants. Conclusions: Our survey reveals that Oncology Departments have been considered worthy of the emergency interms of safety standards and care management by cancer patients. However, the majority of attendees perceivedthe mutual negative influence between their underlying oncologic disease and risk of Sars-CoV-2 infection andmanifested concerns about their health condition, highlighting the need for special measures to ensure safecontinuity of care.
ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 pandemic was a health emergency that required a rapid response by the Italian National Health System. Healthcare professionals needed to be properly trained and informed about their patients' procedures and proper management. During an emergency, the information must be exhaustive, clear and timely to allow correct diagnostic and therapeutic continuity. It is also important that all health workers are promptly and homogeneously trained to guarantee the best treatment path even during pandemic. Our survey aimed to investigate the level of information and training of health workers in oncology during the pandemic and, in particular, the difference in perception between under and over 35 years operators. Methods: An on-line multiple choices survey was submitted to oncology health workers during the pandemic to investigate individual perception of resources, information and staff training management by hospital centers. No open questions were included. Results: A total of 383 health workers replied to the survey (116 under 35 years versus 267 over 35 years). In the under 35s group a total of 65% declared they had been timely and sufficiently informed to understand the extent of the problem compared to 50% of over 35 (p=0.007). About 80% of young professionals were adequately informed and two thirds (63%) was formed about procedures/recommendations to be followed during the pandemic. But in professionals over 35 only 56% declared to have the right information and over 65% did not feel adequately trained (p= <0.01). Furthermore, 44% of over 35 felt not sufficiently prepared for the management of the cancer patient during an epidemic compared to only 28% of the under 35 (p=0.015). Conclusions: The survey showed a different perception of information and training of healthcare professionals based on the age group. This could be determined by a different degree of task and responsibility but also by the greater and faster readiness of the younger operators to acquire new information and to draw a renewed ability to face an emergency by reorganizing themselves quickly and actively. Legal entity responsible for the study: Università Politecnica delle Marche - AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
ABSTRACT
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has been declared global pandemic and Italy is one of the first and heavily affected countries. Cancer patients are a population at higher risk from COVID-19 both for intrinsic fragility bound to their underlying disease and oncologic treatment delay. Aim of our survey was to investigate how cancer patients perceived their health condition, their clinical management and information communication by their medical oncologists during the pandemic. Methods: Between 15th April and 1st May 2020 a survey was submitted to cancer patients under treatment at hospitals of Marche Region which had been invested by the pandemic. It consisted of questions regarding the perception of personal safety, continuity of cancer care and information quality provided by the Oncology Department and individual psychological distress. Results: A total of 661 patients participated in the survey;60.2% was female and 40.4% was aged between 46 and 65. Almost all of the attendees (97.7%) stated that the Oncologic Department complied with the appropriate safety standards and 78% was reassured about their concerns during the medical interview, but 41% was worried of being at higher risk of infection upon entry into the Oncology Department and 53.3% felt being at greater risk of infection because of chemotherapy treatment in general. The majority of the participants (62.2%) felt that postponing cancer treatment could reduce its efficacy, however 80% declared they did not feel abandoned at the time of treatment delay. 79.4% of the attendees felt more worried for their underlying disease in this emergency situation, but the mood worsened only for 34.2% of the participants. Conclusions: Our survey reveals that Oncology Departments have been considered worthy of the emergency in terms of safety standards and care management by cancer patients. However, the majority of attendees perceived the mutual negative influence between their underlying oncologic disease and risk of Sars-CoV-2 infection and manifested concerns about their health condition highlighting the need for special measures to ensure safe continuity of care. Legal entity responsible for the study: Università Politecnica delle Marche- AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.