Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Epidemics , Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing , Neoplasms , Humans , SARS-CoV-2 , Tertiary HealthcareABSTRACT
We report on the protocol adopted by the Oncological Home Care Service of the Tuscany Cancer Association during the CoViD-19 pandemic. Based on the experience in home cancer care gained during the 2009 earthquake, we have developed strategies to ensure continuity of care, non-abandonment and protection of operators. In this context, the double triage protocol plays a central role, aimed at identifying patients at risk for CoViD-19 infection and rationalizing home access. we describe the protocol and present the preliminary data.
Subject(s)
Continuity of Patient Care , Coronavirus Infections , Disaster Planning , Home Care Services , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral , Resource Allocation , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Coronavirus Infections/therapy , Earthquakes , Health Care Rationing , Home Care Services/standards , Home Care Services/supply & distribution , Humans , Italy , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Pneumonia, Viral/therapy , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
Patients with cancer have an increased risk of developing severe forms of coronavirus disease 2019, and patients with advanced cancer who are followed at home represent a particularly frail population. Although with substantial differences, the challenges that cancer care professionals have to face during a pandemic are quite similar to those posed by natural disasters. We have already managed the oncological home care service in L'Aquila (middle Italy) after the 2009 earthquake. With this letter, we want to share the procedures and tools that we have started using at the home care service of the Tuscany Tumor Association during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.