ABSTRACT
The pandemic has accelerated the use and development of video conferenc-ing platforms due to COVID-19, and it is necessary to find an application that best suits our requirements. This article evaluates nine features of nine video conferencing applications to find the best choice. A detailed analysis has been conducted in this article using surveys to collect data from two samples at national and international level. The methodology followed is the CDIO methodology, a tool to address complex problems in four stages: conception, design, implementation, and operation. The primary aim of this paper is to examine which is the best livestreaming option according to the selected criteria, using, as references, well-known applications such as Jitsi, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Big Blue Button, among others. An application of multicriteria analysis is also shown to support the evalua-tion of these platforms compared to the established criteria.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The sanitary emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to take exceptional measures that affect decision-making and administration of treatments with radiotherapy. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients and professionals in a radiation oncology department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We implement a plan with the objectives of maintaining radiotherapy treatment in those patients who need it and, at the same time, reducing the risk of spreading the virus to staff and patients. This plan included measures aimed at limiting the patient's stay in hospital, selecting those patients in whom radiotherapy cannot be delayed and protecting against infection through the use of physical protective measures. RESULTS: Between March 16 and May 31, 2020, 360 patients received radiotherapy in our department. In 14 patients (4.7%) the start of treatment was delayed by an average of 28 days. Four patients had a positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR ) (6.6% and 1.1% of tested and all patients, respectively). Among the professionals, two PCR s were positive (16.6% and 4% of tested and all individuals, respectively). In the serology analysis 4 out of 50 department members were IgG positive (8%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that our department is located in a region with a high incidence of COVID-19 infection, the impact of the pandemic on our patients and staff has been moderate. The implementation of measures against infection and an adequate selection of patients for treatment allows radiation oncology departments to maintain clinical activity.