Oncological patients’ perception of infection risks and level of acceptance of protective measures during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Background: The health emergency caused by the SarS-Cov-2 pandemic has a strong impact on oncological patients' (pts) life. The purpose of this study is to explore the emotional impact and pts' perception experienced who accessed to our Oncology section at University Hospital and Trust of Verona (Italy) regarding these rules. Method(s) An questionnaire was designed by our Psycho-Oncology service and administered to all pts accessing to our outpatient facilities during a 21-days period (April 9th - April 30th, 2020). Two main areas were investigated i) organizational aspects and ii) awareness about infection risks, protective strategies, and new rules adopted (14 items, plus demographic data). Percentage of relevant answers to questionnaire items are reported with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Result(s) Among 241 respondents, fear of accessing hospital facilities and that chemotherapy treatment could increase the infection risk was reported to be quite high or high in 34% (95% CI 29-41%) and 27% (95% CI 21-33%), respectively. Awareness of disease-related risks of infection and strategies to reduce them was "very clear" or "fairly clear" [83% (95% CI 78-88%) and 93% (95% CI 90-96%), respectively]. Availability of medical personnel to be contacted while not in hospital was perceived as "very high". Almost all pts felt that organizational measures were clearly expressed (98%, 95% CI 96-100%) and mainly obtained through the information received at the triage (73%, 95% CI 67-79%). Overall acceptance of these measures was very high (>70%). Of note, the acceptance of phone-based follow-up and visits were perceived as "not very adequate" or "absolutely not adequate" by 17% (95% CI 12-22 %) and 18% (95% CI 13-23%) of respondents, respectively. Conclusion(s) Herein, we report among the first real-life experiences about oncological pts' perception of infection risks and their level of acceptance of protective measures during SarS-Cov-2 pandemic. A timely and thoughtful measures adoption, the coordinated efforts of all figures involved in cancer care and an effective communication strategy to share the necessary risks and sacrifices with pts/caregivers, can lead to effective protection of oncological pts. Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding(s) Has not received any funding. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.Copyright © 2020