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Kastrisiou M, Karimi M, Christou EA, Bizot A, Ropers MA, De-Jesus A, Mokdad-Adi M, To THV, Viansone A, Delaloge S, Besse B, Kfoury M. Evaluation of the satisfaction and experiences of oncology patients and doctors using teleconsultation during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Telemed Telecare 2024:1357633X241229462. [PMID: 38327172 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x241229462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Gustave Roussy Cancer Center introduced teleconsultation via telephone, as an alternative to face-to-face consultation to reduce patient hospital visits. This study was designed to assess patient and doctor satisfaction with this modality of care in oncology patient care during the period of the pandemic and beyond. METHODS We designed two questionnaires based on validated scores to assess satisfaction from teleconsultation in patients (EORTC OUT-PATSAT 35 and Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire [TSQ] scores) and doctors (Telehealth Usability Questionnaire [TUQ]), and anxiety levels in both groups (anxiety section of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS], HADS-A). These were electronically sent to patients and doctors with experience of at least one remote consultation during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS 239 patients and 32 doctors were eligible for the analyses. In the patient group, the mean satisfaction scores were 79.5 (SD 18.1) and 74.92 (SD 15.3) for EORTC OUT-PATSAT 35 and TSQ, respectively. In the doctor group, the mean satisfaction scores were 67.1 (SD 12.7) and 64.9 (SD 13.9) for TUQ and TUQ for Skype for Business, respectively. 65.7% of patients and 81.2% of doctors had no/low anxiety. Univariable analyses in patients showed correlation of the EORTC OUT-PATSAT 35 and TSQ scores with anxiety and gender, with lower mean scores in women compared to men. Multivariable analysis showed correlation of the EORTC OUT-PATSAT 35 and TSQ scores to anxiety in both patients and doctors. CONCLUSIONS Teleconsultation via telephone is an acceptable modality of care for oncology patients, with high satisfaction from its implementation during the pandemic reported by patients and doctors. This was consistent across responder groups with different characteristics. An individualized approach to patients should be implemented for the safe and effective use of teleconsultation in oncology beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Kastrisiou
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France
- Tayside Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK
| | - Maryam Karimi
- Oncostat (CESP U1018 INSERM), 'Ligue Contre le Cancer' Labeled Team, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Centre, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Alexandra Bizot
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France
| | - Marie-Alix Ropers
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France
| | - Anne De-Jesus
- Patient Relationship Coordination, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France
| | - Meriem Mokdad-Adi
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France
| | - Thi Hong Van To
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France
- Department of Pneumology and Lung Transplantation, Marie Lannelongue Hospital - Paris Saint Joseph Hospital Group, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Alessandro Viansone
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France
| | - Suzette Delaloge
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France
| | - Benjamin Besse
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France
| | - Maria Kfoury
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
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Grant MJ, Chiang AC. Telehealth and Outcomes in Patients With Cancer: Data and Innovation. Cancer J 2024; 30:16-21. [PMID: 38265921 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Despite that telehealth has been crucial to the delivery of oncology care during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of this care delivery mechanism on outcomes in cancer care has not been rigorously studied relative standard in-person care for patients with cancer. Patient-centered outcomes such as quality of life, patient satisfaction, and symptoms are important outcomes that have been the primary focus of many of the existing studies in this space, yet only a select few have evaluated overall survival and other objective efficacy endpoints. Studies have alluded to positive effects of telehealth on mitigating financial toxicity and enhancing cost-effective care delivery in oncology. Telehealth carries much potential for advancing care for patients with cancer, but future study should focus on additional efficacy endpoints, implementation, and ways to reduce disparities.
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Hoffmann S, Beissner J, Hieber R, Jacoby J, Engler T, Walter CB. Demand-oriented design of telemedical services in gynecologic oncology. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1168. [PMID: 37891588 PMCID: PMC10604842 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10176-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The medical field is in the midst of a massive expansion in telemedical services. However, it is not possible to say to what extent telemedical offerings can be designed to meet needs in the German healthcare system. This study provides insights into demand-oriented care using telemedical services for gynecological patients. METHODS A total of 262 patients who received systemic therapy for gynecological oncology were surveyed anonymously using a questionnaire regarding their acceptance of telemedicine from February 2021 to April 2021. RESULTS Insufficient computer skills were associated with less acceptance of telemedicine treatment by gynecological oncology patients and presented a barrier. However, the patient's level of education was not related to the level of acceptance. Long travel distances from medical facilities and some types of patient occupations significantly increased the acceptance of telemedicine services. A high level of education, on the other hand, was not associated with the approval of telemedical approaches. Long journeys and work commitments increased the acceptance of telemedical visits. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that the factors investigated have an influence on the acceptance of telemedical offerings by patients. Barriers such as insufficient computer skills must be taken into account when implementing telemedicine services. Telemedicine can provide physical and economic relief for patients if telemedical planning is tailored to their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Hoffmann
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Julia Beissner
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rebekka Hieber
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johann Jacoby
- Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biometry, University of Tübingen, Silcherstr. 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Engler
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christina Barbara Walter
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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Trommer M, Adams A, Bürkle C, Brunner S, Grandoch A, Geffroy A, Franklin C, Gassa A, Meißner AK, Mellinghoff S, Sharma SJ, Schrittenlocher S, Witte L, Marnitz S. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on training conditions and education in oncologic disciplines: a survey-based analysis. Strahlenther Onkol 2023; 199:806-819. [PMID: 37540263 PMCID: PMC10449661 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02121-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in global health care. Medical societies had to update guidelines and enhance new services such as video consultations. Cancer treatment had to be modified. The aim of this study is to ensure optimal care for cancer patients with the help of high-quality training even in times of crisis. We therefore conducted a nationwide survey of physicians in training in oncological disciplines during the pandemic to assess the impact on their education. METHODS The survey was sent to tumour centres, hospitals, specialist societies, and working and junior research groups and distributed via newsletters and homepages. Interim results and a call for participation were published as a poster (DEGRO) [26] and in the German Cancer Society (DKG) journal FORUM [42]. The survey contained 53 questions on conditions of education and training and on clinical and scientific work. Statistics were carried out with LimeSurvey and SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS Between February and November 2022, 450 participants answered the survey, with radio-oncologists being the largest group (28%). Most colleagues (63%) had access to digital training methods. Virtual sessions were rated as a good alternative, especially as multidisciplinary meetings (54%) as well as in-house and external training programs (48%, 47%). The time spent by training supervisors on education was rated as less than before the pandemic by 57%. Half of all participants perceived communication (54%), motivation (44%) and atmosphere (50%) in the team as bad. The participants felt strongly burdened by extra work (55%) and by a changed team atmosphere (49%). One third felt a change in the quality of training during the pandemic and rated it as negative (35%). According to 37% of the participants, this had little influence on their own quality of work. Additional subgroup analyses revealed significant differences in gender, specialty and education level. CONCLUSION In order to improve oncology training in times of crisis, access to digital training options and meetings should be ensured. Participants wish for regular team meetings in person to enable good team spirit, compensation for overtime work and sufficient time for training supervisors for discussion and feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Trommer
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Radioonkologie, Cyberknife- und Strahlentherapie, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Anne Adams
- Institut für Medizinische Statistik und Bioinformatik, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
| | - Carolin Bürkle
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Brunner
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral‑, Tumor- und Transplantationschirurgie, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andrea Grandoch
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
- Klinik für Poliklinik für Mund-Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexandra Geffroy
- Klinik für Frauenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg im Breisgau, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Cindy Franklin
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
| | - Asmae Gassa
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Herzchirurgie, herzchirurgische Intensivmedizin und Thoraxchirurgie, Herzzentrum an der Universität zu Köln, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna-Katharina Meißner
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
- Zentrum für Neurochirurgie, Klinik für Allgemeine Neurochirurgie, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sibylle Mellinghoff
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
- Medizinische Klinik I, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
| | - Shachi Jenny Sharma
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
- Klinik für Hals‑, Nasen‑, Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf und Halschirurgie, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
| | - Silvia Schrittenlocher
- Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
| | - Luisa Witte
- Urologische Klinik, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Simone Marnitz
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Radioonkologie, Cyberknife- und Strahlentherapie, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Cologne, Germany
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Garavand A, Khodaveisi T, Aslani N, Hosseiniravandi M, Shams R, Behmanesh A. Telemedicine in cancer care during COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic mapping study. HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY 2023; 13:1-14. [PMID: 37363344 PMCID: PMC10256577 DOI: 10.1007/s12553-023-00762-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Background For monitoring, providing, and managing COVID-19 pandemic healthcare services, telemedicine holds incredible potential. During this period, there has been a change in the remote services offered to cancer patients. As a result, the purpose of this study was to conduct a mapping review to identify and classify telemedicine applications for providing cancer care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Articles published in scientific databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and ProQuest up to 2022 were searched for in this systematic mapping study. Identifying keywords, creating a search strategy, and selecting data sources were all part of our search for relevant articles. The articles were chosen in phases based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results A total of 1331 articles were found, with the majority of them (46% of them) taking place in the United States. Telemedicine systems were most commonly developed for breast cancer (11.4%), lung cancer (7.9%), head and neck cancer (6.4%), brain cancer (5.4%), gynecologic cancer (6.0%), urological cancer (5.7%), prostate cancer (5.0%), colorectal cancer (5.0%), biliary tract cancer (5.0%), and skin cancer (5.0%). Teleconsultation was the most common type of telemedicine application, with 60% of it taking place in real time. Conclusion Because of its emphasis on providing high-quality health care while reducing costs, telemedicine has gained popularity in the majority of countries, with positive economic and social consequences. While telemedicine systems provide a variety of healthcare services, during the COVID-19 era, they do not currently provide many services to all cancer patients worldwide. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12553-023-00762-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Garavand
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Taleb Khodaveisi
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Nasim Aslani
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hosseiniravandi
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydarieh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Roshanak Shams
- Bone and Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Department of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Behmanesh
- Bone and Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Department of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Education and Development Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535 Iran
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Broom A, Williams Veazey L, Kenny K, Harper I, Peterie M, Page A, Cort N, Durling J, Lipp ES, Tan AC, Walsh KM, Hanks BA, Johnson M, Van Swearingen AE, Anders CK, Ashley DM, Khasraw M. The Enduring Effects of COVID for Cancer Care: Learning from Real-Life Clinical Practice. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1670-1677. [PMID: 36920243 PMCID: PMC10150237 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
For three years, COVID-19 has circulated among our communities and around the world, fundamentally changing social interactions, health care systems, and service delivery. For people living with (and receiving treatment for) cancer, pandemic conditions presented significant additional hurdles in an already unstable and shifting environment, including disrupted personal contact with care providers, interrupted access to clinical trials, distanced therapeutic encounters, multiple immune vulnerabilities, and new forms of financial precarity. In a 2020 perspective in this journal, we examined how COVID-19 was reshaping cancer care in the early stages of the pandemic and how these changes might endure into the future. Three years later, and in light of a series of interviews with patients and their caregivers from the United States and Australia conducted during the pandemic, we return to consider the potential legacy effects of the pandemic on cancer care. While some challenges to care provision and survivorship were unforeseen, others accentuated and amplified existing problems experienced by patients, caregivers, and health care providers. Both are likely to have enduring effects in the "post-pandemic" world, raising the importance of focusing on lessons that can be learned for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Broom
- Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leah Williams Veazey
- Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine Kenny
- Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Imogen Harper
- Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle Peterie
- Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander Page
- Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Cort
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jennifer Durling
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Eric S. Lipp
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Aaron C. Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kyle M. Walsh
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Brent A. Hanks
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Margaret Johnson
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Carey K. Anders
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - David M. Ashley
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mustafa Khasraw
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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Quirós-González V, Rubio R, Pulido F, Rial-Crestelo D, Martín-Jurado C, Hernández-Ros MÁ, López-Jiménez EA, Ferrari JM, Caro-Teller JM, Pinar Ó, Pedrera-Jiménez M, García-Barrio N, Serrano P, Bernal JL. Healthcare outcomes in patients with HIV infection at a tertiary hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2023; 41:149-154. [PMID: 34456409 PMCID: PMC8380489 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2021.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the care of patients with other diseases. Difficulty in access to healthcare during these months has been especially relevant for persons with HIV infection (PWH). This study therefore sought to ascertain the clinical outcomes and effectiveness of the measures implemented among PWH in a region with one of the highest incidence rates in Europe. Methods Retrospective, observational, pre-post intervention study to compare the outcomes of PWH attended at a high-complexity healthcare hospital from March to October 2020 and during the same months across the period 2016-2019. The intervention consisted of home drug deliveries and preferential use of non face-to-face consultations. The effectiveness of the measures implemented was determined by reference to the number of emergency visits, hospitalisations, mortality rate, and percentage of PWH with viral load >50 copies, before and after the two pandemic waves. Results A total of 2760 PWH were attended from January 2016 to October 2020. During the pandemic, there was a monthly mean of 106.87 telephone consultations and 2075 home deliveries of medical drugs dispensed to ambulatory patients. No statistically significant differences were found between the rate of admission of patients with COVID-HIV co-infection and that of the remaining patients (1172.76 admissions/100,000 population vs. 1424.29, p = 0.401) or in mortality (11.54% vs. 12.96%, p = 0.939). The percentage of PWH with viral load >50 copies was similar before and after the pandemic (1.20% pre-pandemic vs. 0.51% in 2020, p = 0.078). Conclusion Our results show that the strategies implemented during the first 8 months of the pandemic prevented any deterioration in the control and follow-up parameters routinely used on PWH. Furthermore, they contribute to the debate about how telemedicine and telepharmacy can fit into future healthcare models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Rubio
- Unidad de Infección VIH, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Federico Pulido
- Unidad de Infección VIH, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Rial-Crestelo
- Unidad de Infección VIH, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Martín-Jurado
- Servicio de Análisis de Información y Control de Gestión, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Hernández-Ros
- Servicio de Análisis de Información y Control de Gestión, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Óscar Pinar
- Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Pablo Serrano
- Dirección de Planificación, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Bernal
- Servicio de Análisis de Información y Control de Gestión, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Quirós-González V, Rubio R, Pulido F, Rial-Crestelo D, Martín-Jurado C, Hernández-Ros MÁ, López-Jiménez EA, Ferrari JM, Caro-Teller JM, Pinar Ó, Pedrera-Jiménez M, García-Barrio N, Serrano P, Bernal JL. Healthcare outcomes in patients with HIV infection at a tertiary hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2023; 41:149-154. [PMID: 36870732 PMCID: PMC9977934 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2021.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the care of patients with other diseases. Difficulty in access to healthcare during these months has been especially relevant for persons with HIV infection (PWH). This study therefore sought to ascertain the clinical outcomes and effectiveness of the measures implemented among PWH in a region with one of the highest incidence rates in Europe. METHODS Retrospective, observational, pre-post intervention study to compare the outcomes of PWH attended at a high-complexity healthcare hospital from March to October 2020 and during the same months across the period 2016-2019. The intervention consisted of home drug deliveries and preferential use of non face-to-face consultations. The effectiveness of the measures implemented was determined by reference to the number of emergency visits, hospitalisations, mortality rate, and percentage of PWH with viral load >50copies, before and after the two pandemic waves. RESULTS A total of 2760 PWH were attended from January 2016 to October 2020. During the pandemic, there was a monthly mean of 106.87 telephone consultations and 2075 home deliveries of medical drugs dispensed to ambulatory patients. No statistically significant differences were found between the rate of admission of patients with COVID-HIV co-infection and that of the remaining patients (1172.76 admissions/100,000 population vs. 1424.29, p=0.401) or in mortality (11.54% vs. 12.96%, p=0.939). The percentage of PWH with viral load >50copies was similar before and after the pandemic (1.20% pre-pandemic vs. 0.51% in 2020, p=0.078). CONCLUSION Our results show that the strategies implemented during the first 8 months of the pandemic prevented any deterioration in the control and follow-up parameters routinely used on PWH. Furthermore, they contribute to the debate about how telemedicine and telepharmacy can fit into future healthcare models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Rubio
- Unidad de Infección VIH, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Federico Pulido
- Unidad de Infección VIH, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Rial-Crestelo
- Unidad de Infección VIH, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Martín-Jurado
- Servicio de Análisis de Información y Control de Gestión, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Hernández-Ros
- Servicio de Análisis de Información y Control de Gestión, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Óscar Pinar
- Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Pablo Serrano
- Dirección de Planificación, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Bernal
- Servicio de Análisis de Información y Control de Gestión, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
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The potential of eHealth for cancer patients-does COVID-19 pandemic change the attitude towards use of telemedicine services? PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280723. [PMID: 36763640 PMCID: PMC9917238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internet penetration worldwide has increased rapidly over the recent years. With this growth, modern information and communication technologies (ICT) have become increasingly important. They do not only change daily life but also patient-physician interaction and health related information search, which can be summarized as electronic Health (eHealth). eHealth was already known before the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but this pandemic substantially challenged health systems, physicians and hospitals so profoundly that new services and methods of patient-physician interaction had to be implemented rapidly. This study investigates the attitude of cancer patients towards eHealth and the potential impact of COVID-19 on its use. METHODS AND FINDINGS The study was a multicentered study carried out at the university hospitals Bonn and Aachen. Patients were asked to answer a structured questionnaire in the time span between September 2019 and February 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no patients were addressed between March 2020 and July 2020. The questionnaire focused on socio-demographic data, the dissemination of internet-enabled devices, the patients' attitude towards eHealth and the use of modern ICT in daily life and for health-related information search. In total, 280 patients have filled the questionnaire of which 48% were female and 52% were male. Men have a slightly more positive attitude towards the overall potential of eHealth than women which was shown by a significant influence for receiving medical information via e-mail. Hematological-oncological patients with a higher education level reported a significantly higher willingness to send personal health information to their physician and health insurance. A frequency of medical consultation of more than 5 times during the previous year has a significantly positive impact regarding the use of online communication, online video consultation and treatment quality. Younger patients have more concerns about data security than older patients. The study shows a different attitude towards the influence of eHealth on the patient-physician relationship in different therapy situations. While there were no significant changes in patients' attitude towards eHealth after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a trend towards an increasingly embracing attitude in patients, who answered the questionnaire during COVID-19 pandemic situation. CONCLUSIONS Overall, cancer patients had a positive attitude towards eHealth and the dissemination of internet-enabled devices was high. The study shows that the potential of eHealth is high among hematological-oncological patients. Further eHealth technologies and especially telemedically supported care processes should be implemented to improve patient-physician interaction and cross-sectoral care. COVID-19 pandemic led to a fast initiation and acceleration of new structures and routines for physicians, hospitals and patients. These new processes should be used to promote digitalization in hematological and oncological telemedicine. To successfully implement new eHealth technologies, future research should focus on patients' concerns about data privacy and data availability especially in the context of exchange of medical information in cross sectoral and interdisciplinary care processes.
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10
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Guberina T, Wang AM, Obrenovic B. An empirical study of entrepreneurial leadership and fear of COVID-19 impact on psychological wellbeing: A mediating effect of job insecurity. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284766. [PMID: 37172060 PMCID: PMC10180687 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The empirical study proposes a model for investigating the effect of entrepreneurial leadership on job insecurity and employee psychological wellbeing during COVID-19 based on the combined theoretical grounds of The Conservation of Resources Theory and Social Learning. To explore the job insecurity relationship with psychological wellbeing, and measure the impact of Fear of COVID-19, an empirical study was conducted on a sample of 408 employees in Croatia. The data of the cross-sectional study was collected in November and December 2020. A strong influence of job insecurity on the psychological wellbeing of employees has been identified. Furthermore, fear of COVID-19 was found to have adverse psychological effects on wellbeing. The theorized positive impact of entrepreneurial leadership on job insecurity was not supported by the evidence. The strong point of our contribution lies in the finding that the entrepreneurial leadership style alone does not buffer against job insecurity, thus pointing that the more comprehensive inquiry into other organizational factors, such as coping, learning abilities, developmental opportunities, personal disposition, and pressure bearing. The research is the first step toward enhancing our understanding of the entrepreneurial dimension of transactional psychology. The observations we recorded have implications for research into the study of the mental processes and their impact on organizational proactive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tajana Guberina
- School of Management, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ai Min Wang
- School of Management, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bojan Obrenovic
- Zagreb School of Management, Zagreb, Croatia
- Luxembourg School of Business, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
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11
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STACHTEAS P, STACHTEAS C, SYMVOULAKIS EK, SMYRNAKIS E. The Role of Telemedicine in the Management of Patients with Chronic Diseases in Primary Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. MAEDICA 2022; 17:931-938. [PMID: 36818259 PMCID: PMC9923072 DOI: 10.26574/maedica.2022.17.4.931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Introduction:The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly spread to many countries and has led various primary healthcare services of chronic diseases to be neglected and only partially be replaced by telemedicine services. This study aims to investigate the role of telemedicine in the management of patients with noncommunicable diseases in primary health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A narrative review of the literature was carried out through searching the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Results: From the initial stages of the pandemic, several scientific medical societies issued guidelines which urged citizens and health personnel to adopt digital means in the provision of regular chronic care as much as possible. The significant benefits of the telemedicine sessions partially only filled the gap of the deferred chronic care. On the other hand, many barriers need to be addressed in order to achieve an equitable and high-quality implementation of telemedicine services. Conclusion:The widespread application of telemedicine and self-monitoring was brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and currently, they have become common ways of managing non-communicable diseases in primary health care. Innovations introduced need to be maintained and integrated into conventional traditional practices, so that health systems are more resilient to future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis STACHTEAS
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Charalampos STACHTEAS
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Emmanouil K. SYMVOULAKIS
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Emmanouil SMYRNAKIS
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
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12
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Patients' experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the change to telephone consultations in cancer care. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:9869-9875. [PMID: 36243814 PMCID: PMC9569164 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07390-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Purpose During the COVID-19 pandemic, teleconsultations have increasingly been used to reduce physical contact and thus risk of infection. This study investigated how patients with cancer experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and how they perceived the change from in-person consultations to telephone consultations in an oncology outpatient clinic. The aim was to provide insights that could optimize the future use of teleconsultations in cancer care. Methods This qualitative study included 15 patients with colorectal, breast, gynecological, lung, or prostate cancer treated at the outpatient clinic at the Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark in June or July 2020. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed by thematic analysis. Results Patients with cancer experienced social, psychological, and organizational consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic related to their cancer care. Not all patients were comfortable with telephone consultations. Six themes were identified: (1) double burden as a consequence of simultaneous cancer and the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) parameters for patient satisfaction with telephone consultations, (3) the importance of relatives attending consultations, (4) loss of information and nuances during telephone consultations, (5) the impact of physicians’ language and communicative skills during telephone consultations, and (6) patients’ suggestions for future telephone consultations. Conclusion Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that hospitals offering teleconsultations involve patients’ preferences, consider for which patients and consultations the solution is suitable, which technology to use, how to prepare patients and relatives, and how to provide physicians with the necessary communicative skills.
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13
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Navarro Martínez O, Igual García J, Traver Salcedo V. Transferring Healthcare Professional's Digital Competencies to the Workplace and Patients: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192013187. [PMID: 36293766 PMCID: PMC9603321 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The new times, marked by immediacy, globalization, and technological advances, has forced health professionals to develop new competencies to adapt to the new challenges. However, necessary skills such as using digital tools are primarily ignored by institutions, hospitals, and universities, forcing professionals to undertake training in these areas independently. This research aims to analyse if there is a transfer of what has been learned in the digital healthcare field to their professional practice and patients. To perform the study, 104 healthcare professionals, mostly nurses, who had completed online training in digital competencies answered a questionnaire with 17 questions. These questions were related to the transfer of learning to professional practice and its use for developing patient resources. Almost 60% of the professionals said that they have used what they learned in the course in their professional work, but only 16% of the participants use it daily. The main barrier to not having applied what was learned during the course, according to participants, was the situation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a lack of time and lack of resources. Only 23 people out of 104 developed patient resources after the course; the most created were infographics and videos. In addition, 38 people used what they learned to improve their personal productivity: searches, storage, calendars, etc. Only 11 used it for research purposes. People between 31 and 40 years old create the most patient resources and use what they learn most frequently. There is a need to improve e-learning to provide quality training that can transfer good behaviour to professional practice in the health field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Navarro Martínez
- Department of Nursing, Catholic University of Valencia, 46007 Valencia, Spain
- Instituto ITACA, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jorge Igual García
- Instituto de Telecomunicaciones y Aplicaciones Multimedia (ITEAM), Departamento de Comunicaciones, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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14
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Hansen M, Schiele K, Schear RM, Richardson RN, Munoz RJ, Bourne G, Eckhardt SG, Kvale E. A comparative cohort study of gastrointestinal oncology patients: Impact of a shift to telehealth on delivery of interprofessional cancer care. J Telemed Telecare 2022:1357633X221122125. [PMID: 36071633 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x221122125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Early studies of oncology visits performed via telehealth demonstrate patient and provider satisfaction; however, understanding of the impact of telehealth on clinic workflows is limited. The incorporation of telehealth visits into an interprofessional model of oncology care was evaluated to assess for changes in care delivery and patient engagement. New patients with a gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis who were actively undergoing treatment and followed for at least three months were divided into two cohorts based on telehealth utilization. Individual patient charts were reviewed by touchpoint, consisting of in-person visits, telehealth visits, phone calls, and patient portal messages. A total of 28 patient charts were analyzed, 11 pre-telehealth conventional care patients, and 17 telehealth patients. Telehealth cohort patients demonstrated an increased average number of total touchpoints when compared to the pre-telehealth cohort (p-value = 0.008) and had an increased number of patient portal and phone call touchpoints (p-value = 0.00 and 0.002). Telehealth provided more interactions between patients and providers demonstrating increased connectivity between a patient and their care team throughout their complex cancer journey. Clinic workflows may need to adjust to account for the increased demand of unscheduled patient interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Hansen
- 377659Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Kristan Schiele
- 377659Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rebekkah M Schear
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, 377659Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Robin N Richardson
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, 377659Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca J Munoz
- Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, 303419Baylor University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Garrett Bourne
- 377659Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - S Gail Eckhardt
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, 377659Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth Kvale
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, 377659Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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15
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Hassan AM, Chu CK, Liu J, Angove R, Rocque G, Gallagher KD, Momoh AO, Caston NE, Williams CP, Wheeler S, Butler CE, Offodile AC. Determinants of telemedicine adoption among financially distressed patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from a nationwide study. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:7665-7678. [PMID: 35689108 PMCID: PMC9187333 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07204-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Telemedicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic among financially distressed patients with cancer, with respect to the determinants of adoption and patterns of utilization, has yet to be delineated. We sought to systematically characterize telemedicine utilization in financially distressed patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of nationwide survey data assessing telemedicine use in patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic collected by Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) in December 2020. Patients were characterized as financially distressed by self-reporting limited financial resources to manage out-of-pocket costs, psychological distress, and/or adaptive coping behaviors. Primary study outcome was telemedicine utilization during the pandemic. Secondary outcomes were telemedicine utilization volume and modality preferences. Multivariable and Poisson regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with telemedicine use. RESULTS A convenience sample of 627 patients with cancer responded to the PAF survey. Telemedicine adoption during the pandemic was reported by 67% of patients, with most (63%) preferring video visits. Younger age (19-35 age compared to ≥ 75 age) (OR, 6.07; 95% CI, 1.47-25.1) and more comorbidities (≥ 3 comorbidities compared to cancer only) (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.13-2.65) were factors associated with telemedicine adoption. Younger age (19-35 years) (incidence rate ratios [IRR], 1.78; 95% CI, 24-115%) and higher comorbidities (≥ 3) (IRR; 1.36; 95% CI, 20-55%) were factors associated with higher utilization volume. As area deprivation index increased by 10 units, the number of visits decreased by 3% (IRR 1.03, 95% CI, 1.03-1.05). CONCLUSIONS The rapid adoption of telemedicine may exacerbate existing inequities, particularly among vulnerable financially distressed patients with cancer. Policy-level interventions are needed for the equitable and efficient provision of this service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas M Hassan
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler St., Unit 1488, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Carrie K Chu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler St., Unit 1488, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler St., Unit 1488, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Gabrielle Rocque
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Adeyiza O Momoh
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nicole E Caston
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Courtney P Williams
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Stephanie Wheeler
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Charles E Butler
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler St., Unit 1488, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Anaeze C Offodile
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler St., Unit 1488, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Institute for Cancer Care Innovation, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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Stachteas P, Symvoulakis M, Tsapas A, Smyrnakis E. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of patients with chronic diseases in Primary Health Care. POPULATION MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.18332/popmed/152606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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17
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Kripalani S, Kulshreshta S, Saracco B, Meterissian S. The effect of COVID-19 on breast cancer care and treatment in North America: A scoping review. Am J Surg 2022; 224:1222-1228. [PMID: 35945067 PMCID: PMC9347185 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusion
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18
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Lantheaume S, Lebosse W, Doublet L, Durand T, Mory JE, Heudel P. Enquête sur la pratique de la téléconsultation médicale en oncologie en Auvergne Rhône Alpes. Bull Cancer 2022; 109:1051-1058. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Pavithra E, Janakiramaiah B, Prasad LVN, Deepa D, Jayapandian N, Sathishkumar VE. Visiting Indian Hospitals Before, During and After COVID. INT J UNCERTAIN FUZZ 2022. [DOI: 10.1142/s0218488522400062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The prevailing COVID-19 situation has brought in temporary and permanent changes in the attitude and lifestyle of people. Starting from Hand sanitizers and face masks, it extends to online classrooms and work from home culture. In case of visiting hospitals and medications, people with pre-existing medical conditions and minor health issues tend to delay or avoid visiting hospitals due to fear of infection, which is dangerous. Further, people or patients tend to access several alternatives and precautions. The alternatives include home remedies, ayurvedic medication, yoga and meditation. On the other hand, hospitals are trying to adapt online consulting and telemedicine. Besides, Cancellation or delay of nonemergency surgeries became inevitable in the lockdown phase. This survey conducted among the people of Erode district, Tamilnadu to study the perception of people concerning visiting hospitals for health issues. The results show that fear of infection, financial and transportation difficulties are the major factors which affected people from visiting hospital. Also, changing trends like Telemedicine and home remedies are likely to be permanently opted by people. In Brief, the outcomes reveal the changing attitude of people towards medication and hospital visiting habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Pavithra
- School of Social Sciences and Languages, VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - B. Janakiramaiah
- Prasad V. Potluri Siddhartha Institute of Technology, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - L. V. Narasimha Prasad
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - D. Deepa
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, Perundurai, Erode 638060, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - N. Jayapandian
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - V. E. Sathishkumar
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimini-ro, Seongdong-gu, 04763, Republic of Korea
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Cancer Patients’ Experiences with Telehealth before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in British Columbia. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:4199-4211. [PMID: 35735444 PMCID: PMC9222084 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29060335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Patients have had their cancer care either postponed or changed to telehealth visits to reduce exposure to COVID-19. However, it is unclear how these changes may have affected their experiences. We aim to identify patient characteristics that affect telehealth experiences and evaluate their preferences for using telehealth in the future. Methods: Patients who completed the Outpatient Cancer Care (OCC) Patient Experience Survey were invited to participate. They comepleted the modified OCC Survey, which focused on telehealth during the pandemic. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to identify patient characteristics that influenced telehealth experiences and preferences for future telehealth use. Results: Perceived ease of participation in telehealth is a significant predictor of the change in patients’ ratings of their telehealth experience. We found that cancer patients had lower preferences for using telehealth in the future if they were older, female, or non-white; resided in an urban area; had no previous telehealth experience; had lower education; and had poorer mental health. Conclusions: To optimize cancer care and improve equitable access to high-quality telehealth care during the pandemic and beyond, clinicians and policymakers will need to consider patients’ self-reported experiences and their personal characteristics.
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Dhanani R, Wasif M, Pasha HA, Ghaloo SK, Hussain M, Shah Vardag AB. Ethical Dilemmas in the Management of Head and Neck Cancers in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Turk Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 60:42-46. [PMID: 35634234 PMCID: PMC9103564 DOI: 10.4274/tao.2022.2021-11-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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22
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Karabulut I, Demirdogen SO, Ramazanoglu MA, Sam E, Cinislioglu AE, Al S, Altay MS, Yilmazel FK, Bicaklioglu F, Aydin HR, Adanur S. Desires and attitudes of outpatients and physicians regarding the use of teleurology during the pandemic: a prospective survey study. Aktuelle Urol 2022. [PMID: 35172348 DOI: 10.1055/a-1648-2146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is not known to date how many patients admitted to urology outpatient clinics are willing to use telemedicine. We aimed to investigate knowledge levels and attitudes concerning the utilization of teleurology by patients applying to urology outpatient clinics. METHODS This prospective multicentre survey study included 334 patients aged 18-65 years who applied to an urology outpatient clinics. The patients were asked questions about their attitudes and expectations regarding teleurology. Diseases were divided into seven subgroups due to the broad spectrum of diagnoses. Physicians' and patients' opinions on whether it was possible to manage the current medical condition via teleurology were recorded. RESULTS 69.5% of patients stated that they had sufficient technical skills to use teleurology by themselves for medical examination. 55.4% of patients and 78.4% of physicians responded that the existing complaints were suitable for teleurology. Both patients and physicians deemed genital system diseases and urinary tract infections suitable for teleurology (p<0.001, p<0.001 for physicians, and p<0.001, p<0.001 for patients), whereas urine transport, storage and emptying disorders (p=0.003) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (p=0.029) were deemed to be suitable for teleurology only by the physicians. CONCLUSION Our study shows that (i) the majority of our patient population has a telecommunications infrastructure suitable for teleurology, (ii) teleurology has aroused interest among patients, particularly during the pandemic period, and (iii) physicians and patients have high expectations that the problem can be solved with teleurology in suitable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Karabulut
- Urology, University of Health Sciences, Regional Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Saban Oguz Demirdogen
- Urology, University of Health Sciences, Regional Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Akif Ramazanoglu
- Urology, University of Health Sciences, Kanuni Training and Research Hospital, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Emre Sam
- Urology, University of Health Sciences, Regional Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Emre Cinislioglu
- Urology, University of Health Sciences, Regional Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Salih Al
- Urology, Ataturk University Faculty of Medicine, Ezurum, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Sefa Altay
- Urology, University of Health Sciences, Regional Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Fatih Kursat Yilmazel
- Urology, University of Health Sciences, Regional Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Fatih Bicaklioglu
- Urology, University of Health Sciences, Kanuni Training and Research Hospital, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Hasan Riza Aydin
- Urology, University of Health Sciences, Kanuni Training and Research Hospital, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Senol Adanur
- Urology, Ataturk University Faculty of Medicine, Ezurum, Turkey
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Perry LM, Burgess D, Bold RJ. Improvements in cancer care through changes implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Am J Surg 2022; 224:643-644. [PMID: 35190180 PMCID: PMC8848723 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Perry
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California Davis, Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Debra Burgess
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Richard J Bold
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California Davis, Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA; University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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Axenhus M, Schedin-Weiss S, Winblad B, Wimo A. Changes in mortality trends amongst common diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden. Scand J Public Health 2021; 50:748-755. [PMID: 34933630 PMCID: PMC9361422 DOI: 10.1177/14034948211064656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It has been found that COVID-19 increases deaths within common diseases in countries that have implemented strict lockdowns. In order to elucidate the proper national response to a pandemic, the mortality rates within COVID-19 and various diseases need to be studied in countries whose pandemic response differ. Sweden represents a country with lax pandemic restrictions, and we aimed to study the effects of COVID-19 on historical mortality rates within common diseases during 2020. METHODS Regression models and moving averages were used to predict expected premature mortality per the ICD-10 during 2020 using historical data sets. Predicted values were then compared to recorded premature mortality to identify changes in mortality trends. RESULTS Seasonal increased mortality was found within neurological diseases. Infectious diseases, tumours and cardiac disease mortality rates decreased compared to expected outcome. CONCLUSIONS Changes in mortality trends were observed for several common diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neurological and cardiac conditions, infections and tumours are examples of diseases that were heavily affected by the pandemic. The indirect effects of COVID-19 on certain patient populations should be considered when determining pandemic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Axenhus
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Centre for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden
| | - Sophia Schedin-Weiss
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Centre for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Bengt Winblad
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Centre for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden
| | - Anders Wimo
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Centre for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,Primary Care, Hudiksvall-Nordanstig, Sweden
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25
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Eng C, Chen EY, Rogers J, Lewis M, Strosberg J, Thota R, Krishnamurthi S, Oberstein P, Govindarajan R, Buchschacher G, Patel S, Sohal D, Al-Toubah T, Philip P, Dasari A, Kennecke H, Stein S. Moving Beyond the Momentum: Innovative Approaches to Clinical Trial Implementation. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 17:607-614. [PMID: 33534616 PMCID: PMC8791825 DOI: 10.1200/op.20.00701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite efforts to enhance enrollment and the merger of national cooperative groups, < 5% of patients with cancer will enroll into a clinical trial. Additionally, clinical trials are affected by a lack of diversity inclusive of minority patients, rural residents, or low-income individuals. COVID-19 further exacerbated known barriers of reduced physician-patient interaction, physician availability, trial activation and enrollment, financial resources, and capacity for conducting research. Based on the cumulative insight of academic and community clinical researchers, we have created a white paper identifying existing challenges in clinical trial conduct and have provided specific recommendations of sustainable modifications to improve efficiency in the activation and conduct of clinical trials with an overarching goal of providing improved access and care to our patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Eng
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN,Cathy Eng, MD, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Program, 2220 Pierce Avenue, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232; e-mail:
| | - Emerson Y. Chen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University, Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR
| | - Jane Rogers
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Pharmacy Clinical Programs, Houston, TX
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rang Govindarajan
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas, Little Rock, AR
| | | | - Sandip Patel
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA
| | - Davendra Sohal
- University of Cincinnati Health Barrett Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | | | | | - Arvind Dasari
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Stacey Stein
- Smilow Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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26
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Petrauskas V, Narbutas Š, Čiakienė N, Gudelytė G, Dulskas A. Access to Healthcare for Cancer Patients in Lithuania During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Acta Med Litu 2021; 28:199-204. [PMID: 35637937 PMCID: PMC9133612 DOI: 10.15388/amed.2021.28.2.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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27
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Coma E, Guiriguet C, Mora N, Marzo-Castillejo M, Benítez M, Méndez-Boo L, Fina F, Fàbregas M, Mercadé A, Medina M. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related control measures on cancer diagnosis in Catalonia: a time-series analysis of primary care electronic health records covering about five million people. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047567. [PMID: 34006554 PMCID: PMC8130761 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cancer care has been disrupted by the response of health systems to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during lockdowns. The objective of our study is to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the incidence of cancer diagnoses in primary care. DESIGN Time-series study of malignant neoplasms and diagnostic procedures, using data from the primary care electronic health records from January 2014 to September 2020. SETTING Primary care, Catalonia, Spain. PARTICIPANTS People older than 14 years and assigned in one of the primary care practices of the Catalan Institute of Health with a new diagnosis of malignant neoplasm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We obtained the monthly expected incidence of malignant neoplasms using a temporary regression, where the response variable was the incidence of cancer from 2014 to 2018 and the adjustment variables were the trend and seasonality of the time series. Excess or lack of malignant neoplasms was defined as the number of observed minus expected cases, globally and stratified by sex, age, type of cancer and socioeconomic status. RESULTS Between March and September 2020 we observed 8766 (95% CI 4135 to 13 397) fewer malignant neoplasm diagnoses, representing a reduction of 34% (95% CI 19.5% to 44.1%) compared with the expected. This underdiagnosis was greater in individuals aged older than 64 years, men and in some types of cancers (skin, colorectal, prostate). Although the reduction was predominantly focused during the lockdown, expected figures have not yet been reached (40.5% reduction during the lockdown and 24.3% reduction after that). CONCLUSIONS Reduction in cancer incidence has been observed during and after the lockdown. Urgent policy interventions are necessary to mitigate the indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related control measures on other diseases and some strategies must be designed in order to reduce the underdiagnosis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermengol Coma
- Sistemes d'Informació dels Serveis d'Atenció Primària (SISAP), Institut Catala De La Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina Guiriguet
- Sistemes d'Informació dels Serveis d'Atenció Primària (SISAP), Institut Catala De La Salut, Barcelona, Spain
- Equip d'Atenció Primària Gòtic, Institut Catala De La Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Mora
- Sistemes d'Informació dels Serveis d'Atenció Primària (SISAP), Institut Catala De La Salut, Barcelona, Spain
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Marzo-Castillejo
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Metropolitana Sud, Direcció d'Atenció Primària Costa de Ponent, ICS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mencia Benítez
- Sistemes d'Informació dels Serveis d'Atenció Primària (SISAP), Institut Catala De La Salut, Barcelona, Spain
- Equip d'Atenció Primària Gòtic, Institut Catala De La Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leonardo Méndez-Boo
- Sistemes d'Informació dels Serveis d'Atenció Primària (SISAP), Institut Catala De La Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Fina
- Sistemes d'Informació dels Serveis d'Atenció Primària (SISAP), Institut Catala De La Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Fàbregas
- Sistemes d'Informació dels Serveis d'Atenció Primària (SISAP), Institut Catala De La Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Mercadé
- Sistemes d'Informació dels Serveis d'Atenció Primària (SISAP), Institut Catala De La Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Medina
- Sistemes d'Informació dels Serveis d'Atenció Primària (SISAP), Institut Catala De La Salut, Barcelona, Spain
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Sathiyaraj A, Lopez H, Surapaneni R. Patient satisfaction with telemedicine for prechemotherapy evaluation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future Oncol 2021; 17:1593-1600. [PMID: 33631995 PMCID: PMC7909235 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: This project aims to address the question of whether patients were satisfied with using a video visit for prechemotherapy evaluation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods & materials: This project used a survey tool with patients undergoing prechemotherapy evaluation that was administered at the time of chemotherapy; 70 surveys were collected. Descriptive statistics of survey questions are presented. Results: 73% of patients reported satisfaction with their video visit experience. 65% of patients reported that they prefer in-person visits as their preferred choice for prechemotherapy evaluation. Conclusion: Patient satisfaction was favorable, but not consistent with results from prior published studies. Patients also mostly preferred an in-person visit for prechemotherapy evaluation. Further research is needed to determine patient attitudes to telemedicine for different types of consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajithraj Sathiyaraj
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
| | - Hannah Lopez
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
| | - Rakesh Surapaneni
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
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29
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Alam W, Bouferraa Y, Haibe Y, Mukherji D, Shamseddine A. Management of colorectal cancer in the era of COVID-19: Challenges and suggestions. Sci Prog 2021; 104:368504211010626. [PMID: 33878982 PMCID: PMC10358474 DOI: 10.1177/00368504211010626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had a huge impact on all sectors around the world. In particular, the healthcare system has been subject to an enormous pressure that has surpassed its ability in many instances. Additionally, the pandemic has called for a review of our daily medical practices, including our approach to colorectal cancer management where treatment puts patients at high risk of virus exposure. Given their higher median age, patients are at an increased risk for severe symptoms and complications in cases of infection, especially in the setting of immunosuppression. Therefore, a review of the routine colorectal cancer practices is needed to minimize risk of exposure. Oncologists should weigh risk of exposure versus the patient's oncologic benefits when approaching management. In addition, treatment protocols should be modified to minimize hospital visits and admissions while maintaining the same treatment efficacy. In this review, we will focus on challenges that colorectal cancer patients face during the pandemic, while highlighting the priority in each case. We will also discuss the evidence for potential modifications to existing treatment plans that could reduce infectious exposure without compromising care. Finally, we will discuss the impact of the socio-economic difficulties faced by Lebanese patients due to a poor economy toppled by an unexpected pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid Alam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Bouferraa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Yolla Haibe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Deborah Mukherji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Shamseddine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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30
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Protective measures for patients with advanced cancer during the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic: Quo vadis? Clin Exp Metastasis 2021; 38:257-261. [PMID: 33759009 PMCID: PMC7987238 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-021-10083-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer patients represent a vulnerable cohort during the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic. Oncological societies have generated a plethora of recommendations, but precise instructions about routine oncological procedures remain scarce. Here, we report on local COVID-19 protection measures established in an interdisciplinary approach at a tertiary care center during the first wave of the pandemia in Germany. Following these measures, no additional morbidity or mortality during oncological procedures was observed, and no nosocomial infections were registered. However, Validation of our measures is outstanding and regional SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was low. However, specific oncological measures might be important to ensure optimal oncological results, especially for advanced cancer stages during this and future pandemia. In the future, communication about these measures might be crucial to a cancer patient´s assigned network to reduce the danger of excess mortality within the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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31
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Narayanan S, Lopez G, Powers-James C, Fellman BM, Chunduru A, Li Y, Bruera E, Cohen L. Integrative Oncology Consultations Delivered via Telehealth in 2020 and In-Person in 2019: Paradigm Shift During the COVID-19 World Pandemic. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1534735421999101. [PMID: 33655797 PMCID: PMC7934055 DOI: 10.1177/1534735421999101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed the use of mobile technologies to deliver health care. This new medical model has benefited integrative oncology (IO) consultations, where cancer patients are counseled about healthy lifestyle, non-pharmacological approaches for symptom management, and addressing questions around natural products and other integrative modalities. Here we report the feasibility of conducting IO physician consultations via telehealth in 2020 and compare patient characteristics to prior in-person consultations conducted in 2019. Methods: An integrated EHR-telemedicine platform was used for IO physician consultations. As in the prior in-person visits, patients completed pre-visit patient-reported outcome (PRO) assessments about common cancer symptoms [modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, (ESAS)], Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW), and the PROMIS-10 to assess quality of life (QOL). Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and PROs for new telehealth consultation in 2020 were compared to new in-person consultations in 2019 using t-tests, chi-squared tests, and -Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results: We provided telehealth IO consultations to 509 new patients from April 21, 2020, to October 21, 2020, versus 842 new patients in-person during the same period in 2019. Most were female (77 % vs 73%); median age (56 vs 58), and the most frequent cancer type was breast (48% vs 39%). More patients were seeking counseling on herbs and supplements (12.9 vs 6.8%) and lifestyle (diet 22.7 vs 16.9% and exercise 5.2 vs 1.8%) in the 2020 cohort than 2019, respectively. The 2020 telehealth cohort had lower symptom management concerns compared to the 2019 in-person cohort (19.5 vs 33.1%). Conclusions: Delivering IO consultations using telehealth is feasible and meets patients’ needs. Compared to patients seen in-person during 2019, patients having telehealth IO consultations in 2020 reported lower symptom burden and more concerns about lifestyle and herbs and supplements. Additional research is warranted to explore the satisfaction and challenges among patients receiving telehealth IO care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel Lopez
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Bryan M Fellman
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aditi Chunduru
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yisheng Li
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lorenzo Cohen
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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32
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Hasson SP, Waissengrin B, Shachar E, Hodruj M, Fayngor R, Brezis M, Nikolaevski-Berlin A, Pelles S, Safra T, Geva R, Wolf I. Rapid Implementation of Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives and Preferences of Patients with Cancer. Oncologist 2021; 26:e679-e685. [PMID: 33453121 PMCID: PMC8013179 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The use of telemedicine in oncology practice is rapidly expanding and is considered safe and cost effective. However, the implications of telemedicine on patient‐physician interaction, patient satisfaction, and absence of the personal touch have not been studied to date. Following the spread of COVID‐19, telemedicine services were rapidly incorporated at the Oncology Division of Tel Aviv Medical Center. We aimed to evaluate patients' perspectives and preferences regarding telemedicine and to assess whether this virtual communication platform affects the patient‐physician relationship. Methods Between March 2020 and May 2020, adult cancer patients who conducted at least one successful telemedicine meeting were interviewed by trained medical personnel. The interview was based on validated patient satisfaction questionnaires and focused on patient‐physician interaction in relation to the last in‐patient visit. Results Of 236 patients, 172 (74%) patients agreed to participate. The study population comprised mainly patients with gastrointestinal malignancies (n = 79, 46%) with a median age of 63 years (range 21–88). The majority of patients were male (n = 93, 54%). Eighty‐nine (51.7%) patients were receiving active oncologic treatment, and 58 (33.7%) were under routine surveillance following completion of active therapy. Almost all had a sense of secured privacy (n = 171, 96%), the majority of patients affirmed that their concerns were met (n = 166, 93%) and perceived that eye contact with the treating physician was perceived (n = 156, 87%). Only a minority felt that the absence of physical clinic visits harmed their treatment (n = 36, 20%). Most patients (n = 146, 84.9%) wished to continue telemedicine services. A multivariate analysis revealed that higher satisfaction and visits for routine surveillance were both predictors of willingness to continue future telemedicine meetings over physical encounters (odds ratio [OR] = 2.41, p = .01; OR = 3.34, p = .03, respectively). Conclusion Telemedicine is perceived as safe and effective, and patients did not feel that it compromised medical care or the patient‐physician relationship. Integration of telemedicine is ideal for patients under surveillance after completion of active oncologic treatment. Physician communication skills workshops are warranted with implementing this platform. Implications for Practice During the COVID‐19 pandemic, telemedicine was rapidly implemented worldwide to facilitate continuity of quality care and treatment. Despite many potential setbacks, telemedicine has become a useful and safe tool for oncology practitioners to care for their patients. The use of telemedicine regarding patients' perspectives, emotions, and patient‐physician communication in daily oncology practice has not been studied to date. This study demonstrated telemedicine is perceived as safe and effective and does not compromise medical care or the patient‐physician relationship. Its use is ideal for surveillance after completion of active oncologic treatment. Physician communication skills workshops are warranted with implementing this platform. The use of telemedicine in oncology practice is rapidly expanding; however, the implications for patient‐physician interaction and patient satisfaction have not been well studied. This article evaluates patients' perspectives and preferences regarding telemedicine and whether a virtual communication platform affects the patient‐physician relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Peleg Hasson
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Division of Oncology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Barliz Waissengrin
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Division of Oncology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eliya Shachar
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Division of Oncology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Marah Hodruj
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rochelle Fayngor
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mirika Brezis
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Division of Oncology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Sharon Pelles
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Division of Oncology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamar Safra
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Division of Oncology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ravit Geva
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Division of Oncology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ido Wolf
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Division of Oncology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
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33
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Alom S, Chiu CM, Jha A, Lai SHD, Yau THL, Harky A. The Effects of COVID-19 on Cancer Care Provision: A Systematic Review. Cancer Control 2021; 28:1073274821997425. [PMID: 33631953 PMCID: PMC8482720 DOI: 10.1177/1073274821997425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review aims to gather primary data from cancer institutions that have implemented changes to cancer service provision amid the COVID-19 outbreak to inform future intervention and health care facility response strategies. A comprehensive literature search was done on Global Health Medline and EMBASE using pertinent key words and MeSH terms relating to COVID-19 and Cancer service provision. A total of 72 articles were selected for inclusion in this systematic review. Following the narrative synthesis that was conducted of the literature, 6 core themes that encompassed common cancer service intervention adopted by institutions were identified: (1) Testing and Tracking, (2) Outreach and Communication, (3) Protection, (4) Social Distancing (5) Treatment Management, (6) Service Restructuring. Since cancer patients are a high-risk population amid the COVID-19 pandemic, these areas of targeted intervention can be used to inform necessary actions in institutions facing similar risks, based on previous learning from numerous cancer centers globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiha Alom
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Equal contribution
| | - Chun Ming Chiu
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, East Sussex, UK
- Equal contribution
| | - Ashwarya Jha
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Thomas Ho Lai Yau
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Amer Harky
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
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Li Y, Yu S, Li Y, Liang X, Su M, Li R. Medical Significance of Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma Patients Infected With SARS-CoV-2 and Pharmacological Characteristics of Plumbagin. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:714909. [PMID: 34712201 PMCID: PMC8547653 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.714909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinically, evidence shows that uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may have a higher death-rate. However, current anti-UCEC/coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment is lacking. Plumbagin (PLB), a pharmacologically active alkaloid, is an emerging anti-cancer inhibitor. Accordingly, the current report was designed to identify and characterize the anti-UCEC function and mechanism of PLB in the treatment of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 via integrated in silico analysis. METHODS The clinical analyses of UCEC and COVID-19 in patients were conducted using online-accessible tools. Meanwhile, in silico methods including network pharmacology and biological molecular docking aimed to screen and characterize the anti-UCEC/COVID-19 functions, bio targets, and mechanisms of the action of PLB. RESULTS The bioinformatics data uncovered the clinical characteristics of UCEC patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, including specific genes, health risk, survival rate, and prognostic index. Network pharmacology findings disclosed that PLB-exerted anti-UCEC/COVID-19 effects were achieved through anti-proliferation, inducing cytotoxicity and apoptosis, anti-inflammation, immunomodulation, and modulation of some of the key molecular pathways associated with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating actions. Following molecular docking analysis, in silico investigation helped identify the anti-UCEC/COVID-19 pharmacological bio targets of PLB, including mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU). CONCLUSIONS Based on the present bioinformatic and in silico findings, the clinical characterization of UCEC/COVID-19 patients was revealed. The candidate, core bio targets, and molecular pathways of PLB action in the potential treatment of UCEC/COVID-19 were identified accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongming Li
- Department of Gynecology, Guigang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Guigang, China
| | - Songzuo Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guigang City People’s Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, China
| | - Yu Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Min Su
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- *Correspondence: Min Su, ; Rong Li, ;
| | - Rong Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- *Correspondence: Min Su, ; Rong Li, ;
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35
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Bakouny Z, Hawley JE, Choueiri TK, Peters S, Rini BI, Warner JL, Painter CA. COVID-19 and Cancer: Current Challenges and Perspectives. Cancer Cell 2020; 38:629-646. [PMID: 33049215 PMCID: PMC7528740 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Patients with cancer have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This effect has included the adverse outcomes in patients with cancer who develop COVID-19, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of cancer care, and the severe disruption to cancer research. However, patients with cancer are a heterogeneous population, and recent studies have now documented factors that allow risk stratification of patients with cancer in order to optimize care. In this review, we highlight data at the intersection of COVID-19 and cancer, including the biological interplay between the two diseases and practical recommendations for the treatment of patients with cancer during the pandemic. We additionally discuss the potential long-lasting impact of the pandemic on cancer care due to its deleterious effect on cancer research, as well as biological insights from the cancer research community that could help develop novel therapies for all patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziad Bakouny
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica E Hawley
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Toni K Choueiri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Brian I Rini
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeremy L Warner
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Corrie A Painter
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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36
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Wozniak AM, Rallis KS. Incorporating teleoncology practices in the undergraduate medical curriculum. Future Oncol 2020; 17:7-9. [PMID: 33131323 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Wozniak
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BE, UK.,Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AD, UK
| | - Kathrine Sofia Rallis
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BE, UK.,Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AD, UK
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Relying on serendipity is not enough. INDIAN ECONOMIC REVIEW 2020; 55:125-147. [PMID: 32836358 PMCID: PMC7435225 DOI: 10.1007/s41775-020-00091-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus has caused a global public health crisis, and impacted countries irrespective of their development status. The health system preparedness has varied across countries, necessitating a hard look at how resilient health systems can be built to withstand the onslaught of sudden pandemics and epidemics. India has been grappling with the onslaught of COVID-19 since the last 6 months of the current year, bringing into focus the ability of its health system to withstand the pressures of dealing with such a pandemic. In this context, the paper analyses India's health sector by focusing on infrastructure, personnel, financing and governance, to enable a better understanding of the extent of resilience in India's health system. Using data from the latest household survey on health, the paper also looks at the disease profile of care seekers to illustrate why COVID transmission is likely to be rapid in the country, the potential impact of COVID care on non-COVID care, the groups that are most likely to forego care due to the lockdown and the diversion of resources to COVID care, choice of providers and out-of-pocket expenditure evidenced from such choice. The paper concludes that a country cannot effectively deal with a pandemic and reduce its socioeconomic impact by trying to fix its health system in real time. The lesson from the COVID era would be for India to immediately start with the much delayed health sector reforms, beginning with a substantial jump in public health financing, if impact of future epidemics and pandemics are to be minimised.
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Fersia O, Bryant S, Nicholson R, McMeeken K, Brown C, Donaldson B, Jardine A, Grierson V, Whalen V, Mackay A. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiology services. Open Heart 2020; 7:openhrt-2020-001359. [PMID: 32855212 PMCID: PMC7454176 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2020-001359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in prioritisation of National Health Service (NHS) resources to cope with the surge in infected patients. However, there have been no studies in the UK looking at the effect of the COVID-19 work pattern on the provision of cardiology services. We aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on cardiology services and clinical activity. Methods We analysed key performance indicators in cardiology services in a single centre in the UK in the periods prior to and during lockdown to assess reduction or changes in service provision. Results There has been a greater than 50% drop in the number of patients presenting to cardiology and those diagnosed with myocardial infarction. All areas of cardiology service provision sustained significant reductions, which included outpatient clinics, investigations, procedures and cardiology community services such as heart failure and cardiac rehabilitation. Conclusions As ischaemic heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death nationally and globally, cardiology services need to prepare for a significant increase in workload in the recovery phase and develop new pathways to urgently help those adversely affected by the changes in service provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Fersia
- Cardiology Department, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, UK
| | - Sue Bryant
- Cardiology Department, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, UK
| | - Rachael Nicholson
- Cardiology Department, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, UK
| | - Karen McMeeken
- Cardiology Department, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, UK
| | - Carolyn Brown
- Cardiology Department, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, UK
| | - Brenda Donaldson
- Cardiology Department, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, UK
| | - Aaron Jardine
- Cardiology Department, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, UK
| | - Valerie Grierson
- Clinical Imaging Department, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, UK
| | - Vanessa Whalen
- Clinical Imaging Department, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, UK
| | - Alistair Mackay
- Cardiology Department, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, UK
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McGregor BA, Vidal GA, Shah SA, Mitchell JD, Hendifar AE. Remote Oncology Care: Review of Current Technology and Future Directions. Cureus 2020; 12:e10156. [PMID: 33014652 PMCID: PMC7526951 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.10156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients frequently develop tumor and treatment-related complications, leading to diminished quality of life, shortened survival, and overutilization of emergency department and hospital services. Outpatient oncology treatment has potential to leave cancer patients unmonitored for long periods while at risk of clinical deterioration which has been exaggerated during the COVID19 pandemic. Visits to cancer clinics and hospitals risk exposing immunocompromised patients to infectious complications. Remote patient reported outcomes monitoring systems have been developed for use in cancer treatment, showing benefits in economic and survival outcomes. While advanced devices such as pulmonary artery pressure monitors and implantable loop recorders have proven benefits in cardiovascular care, similar options do not exist for oncology. Here we review the current literature around remote patient monitoring in cancer care and propose the use of reliable devices for capturing and reporting patient symptoms and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory A Vidal
- Oncology, West Cancer Center and Research Institute and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, USA
| | - Sumit A Shah
- Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, USA
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Leung MST, Lin SG, Chow J, Harky A. COVID-19 and Oncology: Service transformation during pandemic. Cancer Med 2020; 9:7161-7171. [PMID: 32810386 PMCID: PMC7461476 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged healthcare systems around the world, where resources have refocused on increasing critical bed capacity to prepare for the peak in incidence of COVID-19. Oncology faces an unprecedented challenge as patients require multidisciplinary care and are more likely to be immunosuppressed. Services in oncology have been transformed using minimal resources over a short period of time. This transformation continues and telemedicine is playing a key role. AIMS We explore how services in oncology have transformed to deliver services including consultations, systemic anticancer therapy, and surgery for patients, while shielding them from contracting COVID-19. We assess the risks and benefits of the service transformation in the immediate, interim, and long term, and how telemedicine supports the process. METHODS We performed a comprehensive review of the literature using suitable keywords on the search engines of PubMed, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and latest official data from May to June 2020. RESULTS Through the published literature on this topic, we discuss the transformations in oncology and the impact on patients and healthcare workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We reflect on the lessions from COVID-19 and assess the role of telemedicine in the future of oncology services. CONCLUSION Transformation of services in oncology effectively shields patients from COVID-19 infections, and telemedicine plays a role in virtual consultations. The long-term effects are yet to be seen, such as safety of home-based treatment, and effectiveness of virtual communication on patient care. As oncology requires a multidisciplinary approach, telemedicine will play a key role to improve patient-centered cancer care in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Shiu Tsun Leung
- Department of Medical Oncology, St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK
| | - Shangzhe George Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK
| | - Jason Chow
- Department of Medical Oncology, St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Amer Harky
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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41
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Ajibade A, Younas H, Pullan M, Harky A. Telemedicine in cardiovascular surgery during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and our experience. J Card Surg 2020; 35:2773-2784. [PMID: 32881081 PMCID: PMC7460963 DOI: 10.1111/jocs.14933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective The SAR‐COV‐2 pandemic has had an unprecedented effect on the UK's healthcare systems. To reduce spread of the virus, elective treatments and surgeries have been postponed or canceled. There has been a rise in the use of telemedicine (TM) as an alternative way to carry outpatient consultations. This systematic review aims to evaluate the extent to which TM may be able to support cardiac and vascular surgery patients in the COVID‐19 era. Methods We looked into how TM can support the management of patients via triaging, preoperative, and postoperative care. Evaluations targeted the clinical effectiveness of common TM methods and the feasibility of applying those methods in the UK during this pandemic. Results Several studies have published their evidence on the benefit of TM and its benefit during COVID‐19, the data related to cardiovascular surgery and how this will impact future practice of this speciality is emerging and yet larger studies with appropriate timing of outcomes to be published. Conclusion Overall, the use of virtual consultations and remote monitoring is feasible and best placed to support these patients via triaging and postoperative monitoring. However, TM can be limited by the need of sophisticated technological requirement and patients’ educational and know‐how computer literacy level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayomikun Ajibade
- Birmingham Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Hiba Younas
- St George's Medical School, University of London, London, UK
| | - Mark Pullan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Amer Harky
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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42
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Whittaker A, Anson M, Harky A. Neurological Manifestations of COVID-19: A systematic review and current update. Acta Neurol Scand 2020; 142:14-22. [PMID: 32412088 PMCID: PMC7273036 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), was first identified in December of 2019 in the city of Wuhan, China. Since the outbreak, various reports detail its symptoms and outcomes, primarily focusing on respiratory complications. However, reports are emerging of the virus’ effects systemically, including that of the nervous system. A review of all current published literature was conducted, and we report that headache and anosmia were common neurological manifestations of SARS‐CoV‐2. Less common symptoms include seizure, stroke and isolated cases of Guillain‐Barre syndrome. Further research is now warranted to precisely determine the relationship between those patients developing neurological sequelae, their clinical state and any subsequent morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Anson
- Department of Medicine St George’s University of London London UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine King’s College London London UK
| | - Amer Harky
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Liverpool Heart and Chest Liverpool UK
- School of Medicine University of Liverpool Liverpool UK
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43
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Shirke MM, Shaikh SA, Harky A. Tele-oncology in the COVID-19 Era: The Way Forward? Trends Cancer 2020; 6:547-549. [PMID: 32487487 PMCID: PMC7250759 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the care of cancer patients. Thus, tele-oncology has become a necessity to improve cancer care. Several organisations have issued guidelines for its use during COVID-19. Despite certain shortcomings, tele-oncology has great potential to help cancer patients during COVID-19 and in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Mahesh Shirke
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, School of Medicine, Belfast, UK
| | - Safwan Ahmed Shaikh
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, School of Medicine, Belfast, UK
| | - Amer Harky
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Department of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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44
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Abuelgasim E, Saw LJ, Shirke M, Zeinah M, Harky A. COVID-19: Unique public health issues facing Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. Curr Probl Cardiol 2020; 45:100621. [PMID: 32448759 PMCID: PMC7207142 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2020.100621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus disease is a serious public health emergency, with serious adverse implications for populations, healthcare systems, and economies globally. Recently, concerns have been raised about possible association between ethnicity, incidence and outcomes of COVID-19 arisen from early government data. In this review, we will explore the possible association using both recent COVID-19 studies and studies of previous pandemics. We call for data on ethnicity to be routinely collected by governments, as part of an international collaboration, alongside other patient demographics and further research to robustly determine the magnitude of association. Moreover, governments must learn from previous pandemics and recommended strategies to mitigate risks on minority ethnicities due to socioeconomic disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyad Abuelgasim
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Li Jing Saw
- University of Liverpool School of Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Manasi Shirke
- Queen's University Belfast School of Medicine, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed Zeinah
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Amer Harky
- University of Liverpool School of Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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