Implementation of radiotherapy in a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang province during the epidemic of COVID-19.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the clinical practice of delivering radiotherapy during the outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus disease(COVID-19). Method(s) During this epidemic period, available method including but not limited to strict disinfection, body temperature monitoring and staff training of relevant knowledge, were used to ensure the safety of radiotherapy treatment. Statistical analysis was performed to study the relevant data including proportion of patients receiving radiotherapy for different purposes, time from scanning to the first time of radiation delivery and degree of satisfaction in the view of staffs and patients, respectively. Result(s) A total of 60 patients received radiation therapy in the department of radiotherapy of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (2020-02-11). Compared with the same period in 2019 (after the Spring Festival), the total number of patients receiving radiotherapy was decreased from 72 to 60(83.3%). Among them, the number of patients receiving palliative radiation therapy decreased significantly, while the proportion of radical, preoperative and/or postoperative radiotherapy/radiochemotherapy did not significantly decrease. There was significant difference between two years (chi2=6.967, P<0.05). The median time for newly admitted patients to receive radiotherapy was two days, which was not significantly longer than the interval in 2019 (P>0.05). Staff and patients were generally satisfied with the current prevention measures. Conclusion(s) Using a variety of prevention and control method, and taking full account of medical safety and patient benefits, radiation-related activities can be carried out during the epidemic.Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese Medical Association.