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Patra M, Hamiduzzaman M, McLaren H, Siddiquee NA. A Scoping Review of Changes to Patient-Doctor Communication During COVID-19. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:25-48. [PMID: 36522301 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2152225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Effective communication between patients and doctors is fundamental to high-quality healthcare, patient safety, and overall satisfaction. However, the onset of COVID-19 has prompted significant shifts in communication from in-room and face-to-face interactions to virtual consults. The impact of this pandemic-related change on patient-doctor communication goals, processes, attributes, and environment remains unclear. We undertook a scoping review involving the systematic search of seven academic databases for relevant articles published up to and including June 2021. In total, 47 articles were identified that met the inclusion criteria. We applied the patient-doctor communication framework to guide our deductive thematic analysis of articles included, sorting results from reported studies and position papers into themes and sub-themes. The theme of communication goals highlighted sub-themes related to patient safety, convenience, affordability, and satisfaction; preparation included sub-themes on technology interventions, workforce training, and digital literacy; participant attributes included compassion for doctors and rebuilding trust among patients; and communication process included issues related to telemedicine or video conferencing, challenges with diminished patient privacy, and distractions in the patient's home setting. Finally, the environment theme included insights into doctors' workload, isolation, and anxiety and how changes requiring increases in virtual consults iteratively altered confidence in care provision and communication with patients. Results of the scoping review provide important insights for strengthening virtual patient-doctor interactions, including target areas for training and professional development during and beyond the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahua Patra
- Department of Sociology, Maulana Azad College, University of Calcutta
| | | | - Helen McLaren
- College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Flinders University
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Khera M, Bernie HL, Broderick G, Carrier S, Faraday M, Kohler T, Jenkins L, Watter D, Mulhall J, Raheem O, Ramasamy R, Rubin R, Spitz A, Yafi F, Sadeghi-Nejad H. Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA)/American Urological Association (AUA) telemedicine and men's health white paper. J Sex Med 2024; 21:318-332. [PMID: 38430132 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad151] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this white paper is to educate health care professionals about the evolution of telemedicine (TM) and to propose a hybrid model that leverages the strengths of traditional in-person medicine as well as virtual medicine while maximizing the safety and quality of men's sexual health care. LITERATURE SEARCH STRATEGY A literature search focused on the use of TM in urology and men's health was performed through PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science (January 1, 2012-April 26, 2022). Keywords included all known permutations of the terminology used to refer to virtual health, care as well as the terminology used to refer to urologic diseases, issues specific to men's health, and men's sexual health concerns. Publications that emerged after the literature search that met this criterion also were incorporated. Opinion pieces, letters to the editor, meeting abstracts, and conference proceedings were excluded. Additional resources were retrieved, such as governmental technical reports, legislative updates and reviews, and blogs. This search strategy yielded 1684 records across databases after removal of duplicates. Abstracts from the retrieved records were reviewed for relevance. Relevant publications were defined as those that reported data on any aspect of TM use specific to urology, men's health, and/or men's sexual health. If relevance was unclear from the abstract, then the full text of the article was retrieved for a more detailed review. In addition, the published evidence-based practice guidelines relevant to care for erectile dysfunction, Peyronie's disease, ejaculatory dysfunction, and hypogonadism were retrieved. The most common reasons for article exclusions were a focus on TM use in disciplines other than urology and the absence of data (ie, opinion pieces). After exclusions, a total of 91 publications remained and constituted the evidence base for this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Khera
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Helen L Bernie
- Department of Urology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Gregory Broderick
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, United States
| | - Serge Carrier
- Surgical Department /Urology Division, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Martha Faraday
- Four Oaks Consulting, Berryville, VA 22611, United States
| | - Tobias Kohler
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| | - Lawrence Jenkins
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Daniel Watter
- Morris Psychological Group, P.A., Parsippany, NJ 07054, United States
| | - John Mulhall
- Urology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10022, United States
| | - Omer Raheem
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Rachel Rubin
- Department of Urology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, United States
| | - Aaron Spitz
- Orange County Urology Associates, Laguna Hills, California, CA 92653, United States
| | - Faysal Yafi
- Department of Urology, University of California Irvine, CA 92660, United States
| | - Hossein Sadeghi-Nejad
- Department of Urology, NYU Langone Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10017, United States
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Rodler S, Bujoreanu CE, Baekelandt L, Volpi G, Puliatti S, Kowalewski KF, Belenchon IR, Taratkin M, Rivas JG, Veccia A, Piazza P, Carrion DM, Cacciamani GE, Esperto F, Checcucci E. The Impact on Urology Residents' Learning of Social Media and Web Technologies after the Pandemic: A Step Forward through the Sharing of Knowledge. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1844. [PMID: 37444678 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11131844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted urology residents and their training. However, several new technologies or knowledge platforms as social media (SoMe) and web-based learning solutions have filled this gap. Therefore, we aimed to analyze resident's learning curves of new learning modalities, identify the evidence that is provided in the literature, and evaluate the possible impact of such solutions in the future. We conducted a non-systematic literature search using Medline, PubMed, and Embase. In addition, online resources of national and international urology resident societies were queried. The identified paper described SoMe, webinars, podcasts, pre-recorded surgical videos, educational platforms, and mobile apps in the field of urology that are used to gain access to information, teach and provide feedback to residents, and were used under the conditions of the pandemic. The application of those technologies harbors the risk of mis- and disinformation, but have the potential to provide access to education and validated knowledge, training, and feedback and thereby might democratize training of residents in urology globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severin Rodler
- Department of Urology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Loic Baekelandt
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gabriele Volpi
- Department of Surgery, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Turin, Italy
| | - Stefano Puliatti
- Department of Urology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy
| | - Karl-Friedrich Kowalewski
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ines Rivero Belenchon
- Urology and Nephrology Department, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Mark Taratkin
- Institute for Urology and Reproductive Health, Sechenov University, 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Juan Gomez Rivas
- Department of Urology, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alessandro Veccia
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Pietro Piazza
- Division of Urology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Diego M Carrion
- Department of Urology, Torrejon University Hospital, 28850 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Urology, Universidad Francisco de Votoria, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Francesco Esperto
- Department of Urology, Campus Biomedico, University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Checcucci
- Department of Surgery, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Turin, Italy
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Coveney E, Lynam-Loane K, Gorman F, McGrath F, Bennett D, O'Grady P. The benefit of introducing a virtual trauma assessment clinic during a global pandemic. Acta Orthop Belg 2023; 89:1-5. [PMID: 37294978 DOI: 10.52628/89.1.8380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sars-CoV2/COVID-19 pandemic created a national emergency in Ireland. Our institution implemented a virtual trauma assessment clinic to reduce attendance to our district hospital which was stimulated by the development of 'safe-distanced' care. The audit aimed to evaluate the impact of our trauma assessment clinic on care provision and presentation to hospital. All patients were managed according to the newly implemented virtual trauma assessment clinic protocol. Data was prospectively collected over a 6.5 week period from 23rd March 2020 to 7th May 2020. These referrals were reviewed twice weekly by a Consultant-led multidisciplinary team. 142 patients were referred to the virtual trauma assessment clinic. Mean age of referrals was 33.04 years. 43% (n=61) were male patients. Overall 32.4% (n=46) of new referrals were discharged directly to their family doctor. 30.3% (n=43) were discharged for physiotherapy follow up. 36.6% (n=52) required presentation to the hospital for further clinical review and 0.7% (n=1) was admitted for surgical intervention. Overall, this represents a reduction of 63% of patients attending the hospital. A simple virtual trauma assessment clinic model resulted in significant reduction in unnecessary attendance at face-to-face fracture clinics enhancing patient and staff safety during a global pandemic. This virtual trauma assessment clinic model has allowed the mobilisation of staff to assist with other essential duties in other areas of our hospital without compromising care.
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Strategies to successfully prevent COVID-19 outbreak in vulnerable uro-oncology patient population. Infection 2022; 50:1131-1137. [PMID: 35201605 PMCID: PMC8867446 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-022-01775-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose As COVID-19 pandemic persists with variants, and despite effective vaccination campaigns, breakthrough infections surge. We implemented strategies to protect vulnerable patients of the uro-oncologic outpatient clinic. We adopted proactive non-symptomatic risk reduction measures, which include non-symptomatic testing requirements for both patients and health care professionals (HCP), intensified patient tracing and contact reduction by implementation of digital health options. Here, we present our best practice example to safely guide oncology professionals and patients with metastasized genitourinary cancers through the current and future pandemics. Methods Solely for this purpose, we created a registry of collected data (current telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, vaccination status). We collected a nasopharyngeal swab from every patient upon presentation for treatment. We implemented bi-weekly RNA-PCR assay tests for HCP with patient contact, and limited personal contact at our facility through digital patient consultations. Results We started implementing our COVID prevention model at the beginning of the second wave in September 2020 and included 128 patients with urologic malignancies requiring systemic treatment. After COVID vaccination became available in December 2020, all of our HCP were fully vaccinated within 6 weeks and 97% of our patients (125/128) within 9 months. We performed 1410 nasopharyngeal swabs during in-house visits, thereby detecting two COVID-19 infections among our patients, who both survived and successfully continued treatment. To further reduce personal contact, half of our consultations were fully operated digitally, with 76% (97/128) of our patients participating in our digital health offers. Conclusion The willingness of patients and HCPs to participate in the study allowed us to implement strict standards to prepare for the ongoing and future pandemics in outpatient cancer units. Next to general preventive measures such as frequent hand disinfection, wearing facial masks, and keeping distance, an important measure to protect vulnerable uro-oncology patients is the capability to perform virus genome sequencing to trace transmission chains.
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Elkrief A, Wu JT, Jani C, Enriquez KT, Glover M, Shah MR, Shaikh HG, Beeghly-Fadiel A, French B, Jhawar SR, Johnson DB, McKay RR, Rivera DR, Reuben DY, Shah S, Tinianov SL, Vinh DC, Mishra S, Warner JL. Learning through a Pandemic: The Current State of Knowledge on COVID-19 and Cancer. Cancer Discov 2021; 12:303-330. [PMID: 34893494 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has left patients with current or past history of cancer facing disparate consequences at every stage of the cancer trajectory. This comprehensive review offers a landscape analysis of the current state of the literature on COVID-19 and cancer including the immune response to COVID-19, risk factors for severe disease, and impact of anticancer therapies. We also review the latest data on treatment of COVID-19 and vaccination safety and efficacy in patients with cancer, as well as impact of the pandemic on cancer care, including the urgent need for rapid evidence generation and real-world study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Elkrief
- Hemato-Oncology, University of Montreal Research Center (CRCHUM)
| | | | | | - Kyle T Enriquez
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
| | | | - Mansi R Shah
- Division of Blood Disorders, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
| | | | | | | | - Sachin R Jhawar
- Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Y Reuben
- Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina
| | | | | | | | - Sanjay Mishra
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Jeremy L Warner
- Medicine and Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
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Patient Throughput Initiatives in Ambulatory Care Organizations during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9111474. [PMID: 34828520 PMCID: PMC8624418 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9111474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Ambulatory (outpatient) health care organizations continue to respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic using an array of initiatives to provide a continuity of care for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. The purpose of this study is to systematically identify the facilitators and barriers experienced by outpatient health care organizations in an effort to maintain effective and efficient patient throughput during the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study systematically reviewed articles focused on initiatives taken by ambulatory care organizations to maintain optimal outpatient throughput levels while balancing pandemic precautions, published during 2020. RESULTS Among the 30 articles that met the inclusion criteria, three initiatives healthcare organizations have taken to maintain throughput were identified: the use (and enhanced use) of telehealth, protocol development, and health care provider training. The research team also identified three barriers to patient throughput: lack of telehealth, lack of resources, and overall lack of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS To maintain patient throughput during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare organizations need to develop strategies such as the use of virtual consultation and follow-up, new guidelines to move patients along the care delivery value-chain, and ongoing training of providers. Additionally, the availability of required technology for telehealth, availability of resources, and adequate knowledge are vital for continuous patient throughput to ensure continuity of care during a pandemic.
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Dynamics of urinary and respiratory shedding of Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA excludes urine as a relevant source of viral transmission. Infection 2021; 50:635-642. [PMID: 34716901 PMCID: PMC8556791 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-021-01724-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the expression of the receptor protein ACE-2 alongside the urinary tract, urinary shedding and urinary stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining was performed on tissue from urological surgery of 10 patients. Further, patients treated for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at specialized care-units of a university hospital were assessed for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urinary samples via PCR, disease severity (WHO score), inflammatory response of patients. Finally, the stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urine was analyzed. RESULTS High ACE-2 expression (3/3) was observed in the tubules of the kidney and prostate glands, moderate expression in urothelial cells of the bladder (0-2/3) and no expression in kidney glomeruli, muscularis of the bladder and stroma of the prostate (0/3). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 5/199 urine samples from 64 patients. Viral RNA was detected in the first urinary sample of sequential samples. Viral RNA load from other specimen as nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) or endotracheal aspirates revealed higher levels than from urine. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urine was not associated with impaired WHO score (median 5, range 3-8 vs median 4, range 1-8, p = 0.314), peak white blood cell count (median 24.1 × 1000/ml, range 5.19-48.1 versus median 11.9 × 1000/ml, range 2.9-60.3, p = 0.307), peak CRP (median 20.7 mg/dl, 4.2-40.2 versus median 11.9 mg/dl, range 0.1-51.9, p = 0.316) or peak IL-6 levels (median: 1442 ng/ml, range 26.7-3918 versus median 140 ng/ml, range 3.0-11,041, p = 0.099). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was stable under different storage conditions and after freeze-thaw cycles. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the urine of COVID-19 patients occurs infrequently. The viral RNA load and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding suggest no relevant route of transmission through the urinary tract.
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Khoshrounejad F, Hamednia M, Mehrjerd A, Pichaghsaz S, Jamalirad H, Sargolzaei M, Hoseini B, Aalaei S. Telehealth-Based Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review of Features and Challenges. Front Public Health 2021; 9:711762. [PMID: 34350154 PMCID: PMC8326459 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.711762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: As an ever-growing popular service, telehealth catered for better access to high-quality healthcare services. It is more valuable and cost-effective, particularly in the middle of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, this study aimed to systematically review the features and challenges of telehealth-based services developed to support COVID-19 patients and healthcare providers. Methods: A comprehensive search was done for the English language and peer-reviewed articles published until November 2020 using PubMed and Scopus electronic databases. In this review paper, only studies focusing on the telehealth-based service to support COVID-19 patients and healthcare providers were included. The first author's name, publication year, country of the research, study objectives, outcomes, function type including screening, triage, prevention, diagnosis, treatment or follow-up, target population, media, communication type, guideline-based design, main findings, and challenges were extracted, classified, and tabulated. Results: Of the 5,005 studies identified initially, 64 met the eligibility criteria. The studies came from 18 countries. Most of them were conducted in the United States and China. Phone calls, mobile applications, videoconferencing or video calls, emails, websites, text messages, mixed-reality, and teleradiology software were used as the media for communication. The majority of studies used a synchronous communication. The articles addressed the prevention, screening, triage, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up aspects of COVID-19 which the most common purpose was the patients' follow-up (34/64, 53%). Thirteen group barriers were identified in the literature, which technology acceptance and user adoption, concerns about the adequacy and accuracy of subjective patient assessment, and technical issues were the most frequent ones. Conclusion: This review revealed the usefulness of telehealth-based services during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond. The features and challenges identified through the literature can be helpful for a better understanding of current telehealth approaches and pointed out the need for clear guidelines, scientific evidence, and innovative policies to implement successful telehealth projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Khoshrounejad
- Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahsa Hamednia
- Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ameneh Mehrjerd
- Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shima Pichaghsaz
- Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Jamalirad
- Department of Computer Engineering, Ayatollah Amoli University, Science and Research Branch, Amol, Iran
| | - Mahdi Sargolzaei
- Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Benyamin Hoseini
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shokoufeh Aalaei
- Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Bersanelli M, Porta C. Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Kidney Cancer Management. KIDNEY CANCER 2021. [DOI: 10.3233/kca-210112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic still has a huge impact on the management of many chronic diseases such as cancer. Few data are presently available reagarding how the management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has changed due to this unprecedented situation. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the challenges and issues of the diagnosis and treatment of RCC in the COVID-19 era, and to provide recommendations based on the collected literature and our personal experience. METHODS: Systematic review of the available Literature regarding the management of RCC during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. RESULTS: Our review showed a prevalence of narrative publications, raising the issue of the real relevance of the evidence retrieved. Indeed, the only original data about RCC and COVID-19 found were a small retrospective case series and two surveys, providing either patients’ or physicians’ viewpoints. CONCLUSIONS: The expected delayed diagnosis of RCC could lead to an increase of advanced/metastatic cases; thus, proper therapeutic choices for patients with small renal masses should be carefully evaluated case by case, in order to avoid negative effects on long-term survival rates. The controversial interaction between immune checkpoint blockade and COVID-19 pathogenesis is more hypothetical than evidence-based, and thus immunotherapy should not be denied, whenever appropriate. To avoid treatments which won’t have an impact on patients’ survival, a honest and accurate evaluation of the cost/benefit ratio of each treatment option should be always performed. Finally, SARS-CoV-2 swab positivity should not prevent the continuation of ongoing active treatments in asymptomatic cases, or or after symptoms’ resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bersanelli
- Medicine and Surgery Department, University of Parma and Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Camillo Porta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari ‘A. Moro’ and Division of Medical Oncology, A.O.U. Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy
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Cavalcanti IDL, Soares JCS. Impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients: A review. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2021; 17:186-192. [PMID: 32970923 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
To inform about the impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients, a literature review was carried out, using the descriptors "COVID-19," "SARS-CoV-2," "Oncology," and "Coronavirus," in the Pubmed, Sciencedirect, and Scifinder databases. Fifty-three articles were included after analyzing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, being divided into five sessions: Epidemiological aspects of COVID-19; Pathophysiology of COVID-19; Clinical aspects of cancer patients; Risks to cancer patients infected with COVID-19; and Care for cancer patients amid a pandemic. The cancer patient has a weakened immune system, due to characteristics specific to the development of cancer or even chemotherapy, leaving these patients more susceptible to infections by COVID-19. Thus, the development of protection plans for cancer patients should be encouraged, reducing the exposure of these patients to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, contributing to the maintenance of the health of the cancer patient, and avoiding possible therapeutic complications that can lead the patient to death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iago Dillion Lima Cavalcanti
- PhD student in Biological Sciences, Master in Pharmaceutical Science, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Brazil
| | - José Cleberson Santos Soares
- PhD student in Therapeutic Innovation, Master in Pharmaceutical Science, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Brazil
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Apfelbeck M, Staehler M, Rodler S, Stredele R, Chaloupka M, Mumm JN, Buchner A, Stief C, Casuscelli J. Does Pandemic Anxiety Affect Urology Health Care Workers? Urol Int 2021; 105:192-198. [PMID: 33477161 PMCID: PMC7900483 DOI: 10.1159/000512911] [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] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess anxiety, stress level, and perception of safety during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in health care workers (HCWs) of one of Germany's largest urology university clinics. METHODS A cross-sectional study among urological HCWs was performed. HCWs were surveyed for anxiety about the pandemic, stress level and current workload, fear of coronavirus infection, current perception of safety at work, and attitude towards protective equipment and tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). RESULTS Sixty-three HCWs filled in the questionnaire. Overall anxiety of infection with CO-VID-19 is at a median of 4.7 with no statistically significant difference between nurses and physicians (p = 0.0749). Safety at work reaches a median of 6 out of 10. In fact, the highest fear in 56.7% (31/63) of the personnel is to get infected by a colleague tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 despite wearing surgical face masks. A proportion of 55.7 and 74.6% highly favor swabs for SARS-CoV-2 on a regular basis in HCWs and patients, respectively (p = 0.0001). Workload in the urology department is clearly reduced during the pandemic (physicians 39.3% vs. nurses 32.2%, p = 0.0001) and 57.4% do not feel distress at all; only 27.9% express mental distress. CONCLUSION During the pandemic, urology HCWs perceive lower burden by workload and deem themselves at low risk of infection. However, the greatest anxiety is related to infection by a SARS-CoV-2-positive colleague, despite reciprocal protection by surgical face masks. This highlights a relevant mental stress and uncertainty towards management of infected HCWs, calling for increased education and psychological support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Apfelbeck
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Staehler
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Severin Rodler
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Regina Stredele
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Chaloupka
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan-Niclas Mumm
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Buchner
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Stief
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jozefina Casuscelli
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany,
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Heyer A, Granberg RE, Rising KL, Binder AF, Gentsch AT, Handley NR. Medical Oncology Professionals' Perceptions of Telehealth Video Visits. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2033967. [PMID: 33443581 PMCID: PMC7809588 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.33967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Telehealth has emerged as a means of improving access and reducing cost for medical oncology care; however, use by specialists prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic still remained low. Medical oncology professionals' perceptions of telehealth for cancer care are largely unknown, but are critical to telehealth utilization and expansion efforts. OBJECTIVE To identify medical oncology health professionals' perceptions of the barriers to and benefits of telehealth video visits. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This qualitative study used interviews conducted from October 30, 2019, to March 5, 2020, of medical oncology health professionals at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, an urban academic health system in the US with a cancer center. All medical oncology physicians, physicians assistants, and nurse practitioners at the hospital were eligible to participate. A combination of volunteer and convenience sampling was used, resulting in the participation of 29 medical oncology health professionals, including 20 physicians and 9 advanced practice professionals, in semistructured interviews. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Medical oncology health professionals' perceptions of barriers to and benefits of telehealth video visits as experienced by patients receiving cancer treatment. RESULTS Of the 29 participants, 15 (52%) were women and 22 (76%) were White, with a mean (SD) age of 48.5 (12.0) years. Respondents' perceptions were organized using the 4 domains of the National Quality Forum framework: clinical effectiveness, patient experience, access to care, and financial impact. Respondents disagreed on the clinical effectiveness and potential limitations of the virtual physical examination, as well as on the financial impact on patients. Respondents also largely recognized the convenience and improved access to care enabled by telehealth for patients. However, many reported concern regarding the health professional-patient relationship and their limited ability to comfort patients in a virtual setting. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Medical oncology health professionals shared conflicting opinions regarding the barriers to and benefits of telehealth in regard to clinical effectiveness, patient experience, access to care, and financial impact. Understanding oncologists' perceptions of telehealth elucidates potential barriers that need to be further investigated or improved for telehealth expansion and continued utilization; further research is ongoing to assess current perceptions of health professionals and patients given the rapid expansion of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Heyer
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Kristin L. Rising
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Adam F. Binder
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexzandra T. Gentsch
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nathan R. Handley
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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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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15
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The Impact of COVID-19 on Telemedicine Utilization Across Multiple Service Lines in the United States. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8040380. [PMID: 33019667 PMCID: PMC7712432 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8040380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. healthcare industry cannot be overstated. Telemedicine utilization increased overnight as all healthcare providers rushed to implement this delivery model to ensure accessibility and continuity of patient care. Our research objective was to determine measures that were implemented to accommodate community and individual patient needs to afford access to critical services and to maintain safety standards. We analyzed literature since 2016 from two databases using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We compared observations, themes, service lines addressed, issues identified, and interventions requiring in-person care. From 44 articles published, we identified ten effectiveness themes overall and drew conclusions on service line successes. COVID-19 has caused rapid expansion in telemedicine. Necessary and required changes in access, risk mitigation, the need for social distancing, compliance, cost, and patient satisfaction are a few of the driving factors. This review showcased the healthcare industry's ability to rapidly acclimate and change despite the pervasive spread of COVID-19 throughout the U.S. Although imperfect, unique responses were developed within telemedicine platforms to mitigate disruptions broadly and effectively in care and treatment modalities.
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Wang YH, Bychkov A, Chakrabarti I, Jain D, Liu Z, He S, Hanum SF, Bakrin I, Templo F, Nguyen T, Kumarasinghe P, Jung CK, Kakudo K, Chen CC. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cytology practice: An international survey in the Asia-Pacific region. Cancer Cytopathol 2020; 128:895-904. [PMID: 32931161 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on various aspects of cytology practice in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS An online questionnaire was distributed to cytopathology laboratories in 24 Asia-Pacific countries to explore the impact of restrictive measures on access to health care, use of general and personal protective equipment (PPE), and changes in cytology workflow and workload from February to April 2020. RESULTS A total of 167 cytopathology laboratories from 24 countries responded to the survey; the majority reported that restrictive measures that limited the accessibility of health care services had been implemented in their cities and/or countries (80.8%) and their hospitals (83.8%). The respondents noted that COVID-19 had an impact on the cytologic workflow as well as the workload. Approximately one-half of the participants reported the implementation of new biosafety protocols (54.5%) as well as improvements in laboratory facilities (47.3%). Rearrangement or redeployment of the workforce was reported in 53.3% and 34.1% of laboratories, respectively. The majority of the respondents reported a significant reduction (>10%) in caseload associated with both gynecological (82.0%) and nongynecological specimens (78.4%). Most laboratories reported no significant change in the malignancy rates of both gynecological (67.7%) and nongynecological specimens (58.7%) compared with the same period in 2019. CONCLUSIONS The results of the survey demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant reduction in the number of cytology specimens examined along with the need to implement new biosafety protocols. These findings underscore the need for the worldwide standardization of biosafety protocols and cytology practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeh-Han Wang
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Taipei Institute of Pathology, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- College of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Andrey Bychkov
- Department of Pathology, Kameda Medical Center, Kamogawa, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | - Deepali Jain
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Zhiyan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Shurong He
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Ikmal Bakrin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Putra Malaysia University, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Felipe Templo
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Philippine Heart Center, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Truong Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Priyanthi Kumarasinghe
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, PathWest, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Chan Kwon Jung
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kennichi Kakudo
- Department of Pathology and Thyroid Disease Center, Izumi City General Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
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Westhofen T, Magistro G, Lennartz S, Casuscelli J, Stief C, Rodler S. Confronting hidden COVID-19 burden: a telemedical solution for elective urological outpatient clinics. Infection 2020; 48:935-939. [PMID: 32892301 PMCID: PMC7474800 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-020-01511-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining high-quality care for urological patients is a challenge during and after the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We observe an increasing volume of postponed elective visits at our tertiary care hospital, holding the risk for deterioration of non-emergency disease conditions. As it is unclear for how long the pandemic will last, we propose to implement telehealth as a solution to provide regular symptom monitoring compatible with social distancing guidelines during the pandemic and beyond. Telemedical assessment and prioritizing of high-risk patients for individual consults at outpatient services will have to be aligned with available outpatient capacity and local outbreak severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Westhofen
- Department of Urology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Giuseppe Magistro
- Department of Urology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Lennartz
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, White 270, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jozefina Casuscelli
- Department of Urology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Stief
- Department of Urology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Severin Rodler
- Department of Urology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
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Rodler S, Apfelbeck M, Schulz GB, Ivanova T, Buchner A, Staehler M, Heinemann V, Stief C, Casuscelli J. Telehealth in Uro-oncology Beyond the Pandemic: Toll or Lifesaver? Eur Urol Focus 2020; 6:1097-1103. [PMID: 32534969 PMCID: PMC7286644 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2020.05.010] [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: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth services are rapidly embraced in uro-oncology due to the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. OBJECTIVE To determine patients' perspective on adoption of telehealth as a response to the pandemic and its sustainability in the future. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Following a COVID-19 outbreak, 101 patients with advanced genitourinary cancers are currently managed "virtually" for therapy administration at our tertiary care unit. They were surveyed about the current situation, and current and long-term employment of telehealth. INTERVENTION Rapid implementation of virtual patient management. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Patients' perception of anxiety of COVID-19 and cancer, perspective on telehealth measures as a reaction to the current COVID-19 pandemic, and long-term acceptance were used as outcomes. Wilcoxon matched-pair signed rank test, chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U test were performed. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Of 101 patients, 92 answered the questionnaire, with 71 (77.2%) responding virtually by e-mail or phone call. Anxiety of cancer (6/10, interquartile range [IQR] 3-8) superseded that of COVID-19 (four/10, IQR 2-5.25, p<0.001), and patients oppose temporary treatment interruption. Of the patients, 66.0% perceive their susceptibility to COVID-19 as equal to or lower than the general population and 52.2% believe that COVID-19 will not affect their therapy. In future, patients (62.6%) prefer to maintain in-person appointments as opposed to complete remote care, but accept remote care during the pandemic (eight/10, IQR 5-9). Beyond the crisis, maintaining telehealth has low preference rates (four/10, IQR 2-7), with high acceptance for external laboratory controls (60.9%) and online visit management (48.9%), but lower acceptance for remote treatment planning including staging discussions (44.6%) and for referral to secondary care oncologists (17.4%). CONCLUSIONS Despite the pandemic, cancer remains the key concern and patients are not willing to compromise on their treatment. Rapid implementation of telehealth is tolerated well during the need of social distancing, with a clear "red line" concerning changes in existing patient-physician relationships. Balancing future implementation of telehealth while considering patients' demand for personal relationships will ensure human dignity in uro-oncology. PATIENT SUMMARY We queried patients with genitourinary cancers treated in an almost virtual setting following a local coronavirus outbreak. Acceptance of telehealth during the current situation is high; however, long-term implementation of the adapted services is less favored. We deduce that patient-physician relationship is crucial for cancer patients and needs to be balanced against measures for social distancing to forge the future management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severin Rodler
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Maria Apfelbeck
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerald Bastian Schulz
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Troya Ivanova
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Buchner
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Staehler
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Heinemann
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany; Medizinische Klinik III, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Stief
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jozefina Casuscelli
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
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