Scientia potentia est: How the Italianworld of oncology changes in the COVID19 pandemic

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.