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Zhao DY, Hu SQ, Hu FH, Du W, Tang W, Zhang WQ, Chen HL, Shen WQ. Palliative care for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A narrative synthesis from 36 studies of 16 countries. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:6120-6135. [PMID: 37212652 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16742] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 epidemic, palliative care has become even more indispensable for cancer patients. AIM To identify the changes in palliative care for cancer patients and improvements in palliative care quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN A systematic review and narrative synthesis was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. An evaluation tool using mixed methods was used to assess the quality of the study. The main relevant themes identified were used to group qualitative and quantitative findings. RESULTS A total of 36 studies were identified, primarily from different countries, with a total of 14,427 patients, 238 caregivers and 354 health care providers. Cancer palliative care has been experiencing several difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased mortality and infection rates as well as delays in patient treatment that have resulted in poorer prognoses. Treatment providers are seeking solutions such as electronic management of patients and integration of resources to care for the mental health of patients and staff. Telemedicine plays an important role in many ways but cannot completely replace traditional treatment. Clinicians strive to meet patients' palliative care needs during special times and improve their quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Palliative care faces unique challenges during the COVID-19 epidemic. With adequate support to alleviate care-related challenges, patients in the home versus hospital setting will be able to receive better palliative care. In addition, this review highlights the importance of multiparty collaboration to achieve personal and societal benefits of palliative care. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No Patient or Public Contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Yan Zhao
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Shi-Qi Hu
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Fei-Hong Hu
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Wei Du
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Wen Tang
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Wan-Qing Zhang
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hong-Lin Chen
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Wang-Qin Shen
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
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2
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Frey R, Balmer D. The challenges for health professionals delivering palliative care in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic: An integrative review. Palliat Support Care 2023:1-13. [DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523000275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The growing demand for palliative care has been accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, providing community-based palliative care was also more difficult to do safely and faced several challenges. The goal of this integrative review was to identify, describe, and synthesize previous studies on the challenges for health professionals delivering palliative care in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
Searches were carried out on the Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Social Care Online, PubMed, Embase, and Expanded Academic databases. Journals typically reporting palliative care and community health studies were also searched (Palliative Medicine, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, and Health & Social Care in the Community). All articles were peer-reviewed and published in English between December 2019 and September 2022.
Results
Database and hand searches identified 1231 articles. After duplicates were removed and the exclusion criteria applied, 27 articles were included in the final review. Themes in the research findings centered on 6 interconnected categories. The challenges imposed by the pandemic (lack of resources, communication difficulties, access to education and training, and interprofessional coordination), as well as the varying levels of success of the health-care responses, impacted the well-being of health professionals and, in turn, the well-being and care of patients and families.
Significance of results
The pandemic has provided the impetus for rethinking flexible and innovative approaches to overcome the challenges of delivering community palliative care. However, existing governmental and organizational policies require revision to improve communication and effective interprofessional collaboration, and additional resources are needed. A blended model of virtual and in-person palliative care delivery may provide the best solution to community palliative care delivery moving forward.
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Kelly M, Mitchell I, Walker I, Mears J, Scholz B. End-of-life care in natural disasters including epidemics and pandemics: a systematic review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023; 13:1-14. [PMID: 33731463 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-002973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, and place additional strains on end-of-life care services and users. Although end-of-life and palliative care are considered essential components of disaster planning and response, there are gaps in understandings about their real-life application, and how natural disasters impact end-of-life care. OBJECTIVE To synthesise existing evidence of the impacts of natural disasters (eg, bushfires, communicable pandemics, etc) on end-of-life care. METHODS A systematic review with a narrative synthesis was undertaken. The review was registered on PROSPERO (registration: CRD42020176319). PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Science Direct and Web of Science were searched for studies published in English between 2003 and 2020, with findings explicitly mentioning end-of-life care impacts in relation to a natural disaster. Articles were appraised for quality using a JBI-QARI tool. RESULTS Thirty-six empirical studies met the inclusion criteria and quality assessment. Findings were synthesised into three key themes: impacts on service provision, impacts on service providers and impacts on service users. This review demonstrates that natural disasters impact profoundly on end-of-life care, representing a stark departure from a palliative care approach. CONCLUSIONS Clinical practitioners, policy makers and researchers must continue to collaborate for viable solutions to achieve universal access to compassionate and respectful end-of-life care, during natural disasters. Using models, policies and practices already developed in palliative care, involving those most impacted in disaster planning and anticipating barriers, such as resource shortages, enables development of end-of-life care policies and practices that can be rapidly implemented during natural disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite Kelly
- Medical School, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Imogen Mitchell
- Medical School, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Iain Walker
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Jane Mears
- School of Social Science, Western Sydney University - Liverpool City Campus, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Scholz
- Medical School, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on care and psychological impact on cancer patients. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2022; 16:138-143. [DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Schwab R, Droste A, Stewen K, Elger T, Theis S, Heimes AS, Peters K, Schmidt M, Brenner W, Hasenburg A. Resilience as a Source of Easement to Health-Related Worries in Women at Increased Risk for Breast or Ovarian Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:7039-7052. [PMID: 36090707 PMCID: PMC9462434 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s373191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has affected individuals’ and society’s physical and psychological well-being. The study was conducted in order to assess the predictors for health-related worries during the COVID-19 pandemic in vulnerable populations. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional web-based survey of women who had a higher risk of developing breast cancer (BC) or ovarian cancer (OC) was conducted, regardless of whether they had experienced an active malignant disease during the pandemic. A self-reported questionnaire was designed for this study to assess health-related worries. The PHQ-4 questionnaire was used to evaluate mental health, and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) questionnaire was employed to investigate resilience. Results History of BC or OC was recognized as an independent significant risk factor for worries regarding being more susceptible to a more severe course of COVID-19 disease (OR 3.593; 95% CI 1.030–12.536; p = 0.045). High scores in the BRS questionnaire were negatively correlated with health-related worries, such as an increased risk for occurrence of BC or OC (OR 0.332; 95% CI 0.118–0.933; p = 0.37) or worsening of oncological outcome as a result of an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (OR 0.330; 95% I 0.114–0.956; p = 0.041). Conclusion The obtained findings determined resilience as an independent and potent protective parameter in terms of health-related concerns in women at high risk for BC and OC. The results may assist in identifying women at risk for health-related concerns during adverse life events, allowing healthcare providers to respond fast and according to the patients´ needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Schwab
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
- Correspondence: Roxana Schwab, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of the Johannes, Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany, Tel +49-6131-17-0, Fax +49-6131-17-5692, Email
| | - Annika Droste
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Kathrin Stewen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Tania Elger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Susanne Theis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Anne-Sophie Heimes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Katharina Peters
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Marcus Schmidt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Walburgis Brenner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Annette Hasenburg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
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Nguyen HTH, Duong KL, Nguyen ST, Trinh Q, Hoang HTL, Phung TQ, Lin HW, Nguyen HTL. Quality of Life and Its Associated Factors Among Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy at Oncology Hospitals in Vietnam After the Third Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:2429-2444. [PMID: 35979066 PMCID: PMC9377346 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s370034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and identify associated factors affecting the HRQOL after the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. Patients and Methods Patients with solid cancers receiving chemotherapy at two oncology hospitals in Vietnam during April and May 2021 were included. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire version 3 was used to measure the HRQOL. Three questions were asked to explore patients’ concern levels about contracting COVID-19, delaying chemotherapy, or not controlling cancer well. One question was used to explore whether patients were concerned about cancer progression or COVID-19 infection more, or equally, or had no concern about both. Multiple regression models were conducted to examine factors associated with the global health status (GHS) score. Results Of 270 included patients, mean (Standard deviation [SD]) GHS was 56.7 (20.8). Among the functional statuses, social functioning (SF) had the lowest score of 63.6 (29.2). The symptoms with the highest means were insomnia and fatigue, obtaining the score of 38.5 (31.7) and 37.3 (29.2), respectively. The mean of financial difficulties was 54.1 (32.2). In univariate analysis, high concerns about contracting COVID-19, delaying chemotherapy, not controlling cancer well, or more concern about either cancer or COVID-19 over the other were associated with worse GHS, physical functioning, emotional functioning, and SF. In multivariate analysis, those concerns and no income were significantly related to lower GHS scores besides the non-modifiable factors, such as female gender and some cancer types. Conclusion Patients at the high concern levels, or with more concern about either cancer or COVID-19 over the other had poorer HRQOL. Interventions to address the concerns are required to improve their HRQOL, particularly for women, those without income, or with some specific cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanh T H Nguyen
- School of Pharmacy and Graduate Institute, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Khanh Linh Duong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Son T Nguyen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Quy Trinh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hao T L Hoang
- Pharmacy Department, Hanoi Oncology Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Toan Q Phung
- Pharmacy Department, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hsiang-Wen Lin
- School of Pharmacy and Graduate Institute, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacy, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Huong T L Nguyen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Alagoz S, Eren N, Ozcan SG, Atlı Z, Ozkul O, Belli H, Gorgulu N, Seyyar M, Seyahi N. Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on mood status: A comparison of hemodialysis and oncology patients. Ther Apher Dial 2022; 26:781-789. [PMID: 34841690 DOI: 10.1111/1744-9987.13767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coronavirus related lockdown measures had a severe psychological toll. We investigated the effects of population-wide infection control measures on hemodialysis (HD) and oncology patients' mood statuses. METHODS An electronic survey was used to collect data. We used the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to measure the mood statuses. RESULTS The study groups composed of 400 HD, 234 oncology patients, and 276 controls. HADS anxiety and total POMS scores were significantly higher in the control group than that of both HD and oncology patients, a finding consistent with a worse mood status. In multivariate models, the male gender and the perception of having received appropriate medical support during the pandemic period were independent predictors of better POMS and HADS-anxiety and depression scores. CONCLUSION HD and oncology patients appear to be less affected by the psychological stress induced by social distancing and lockdown periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Alagoz
- Department of Nephrology, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Health Sciences University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Necmi Eren
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Seyda Gul Ozcan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Atlı
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science and Letters, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Ozkul
- Department of Oncology, Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, Health Sciences University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hasan Belli
- Department of Psychiatry, Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, Health Sciences University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Numan Gorgulu
- Department of Nephrology, Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, Health Sciences University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Seyyar
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Nurhan Seyahi
- Department of Nephrology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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8
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Bogaert B, Buisson V, Kozlakidis Z, Saintigny P. Organisation of cancer care in troubling times: A scoping review of expert guidelines and their implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 173:103656. [PMID: 35337970 PMCID: PMC8942466 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This scoping review mapped the main themes in existing expert guidelines for cancer care issued during the COVID-19 crisis from the period of March 2020-August 2021. The guidelines published during the research period principally relate to the first two waves in Europe and until the beginning of the vaccination campaign. They elaborated recommendations for cancer care reorganisation, in particular triage and quality of care issues. The article highlights the ethical, epistemological, as well as practical reasons that guidelines were not always followed to provide some lessons learned for future crises to enable better guideline development processes. We also elaborate early evidence on the impact of triage decisions and different perspectives on cancer care reorganisation from ethics and social science literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Bogaert
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
| | - Victoria Buisson
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
| | - Zizis Kozlakidis
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, France.
| | - Pierre Saintigny
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France; Univ Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France.
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9
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Khlem R, Kannappan SR, Choudhury PP. Coronavirus disease-2019: Challenges, opportunities, and benefits in India. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2022; 11:104. [PMID: 35573622 PMCID: PMC9093649 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1397_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human coronavirus was first identified in 1965, belongs to the same family of Viruses as SARS, MERS-Co. The current virus that affected worldwide came into existence in late 2019, recently found in Wuhan, China, and caused a global pandemic called coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). This disease became a quick global pandemic due to the rapid transmission of the virus from one human to another. In the history of humankind, people were inside the four walls for more than a month. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant problems in a variety of fields. The current pandemic created many changes that are seen as challenges worldwide. However, it created opportunities and benefits for many, extend a helping hand towards the people in need, in the society, community, and the nation. This paper focuses on challenges, opportunities, and benefits during the (COVID-19) pandemic in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS Online search engines like PubMed and Google Scholar were used to conduct the research. The review article's dates were not restricted in any way. A total of 48 articles were chosen. The data was tabulated based on the kind of study and the outcomes. There are just a few papers available that demonstrate the necessity for more study. RESULTS COVID-19 caused unforeseen changes in the health care industry, unequal distribution of health care, and consequences on mental health, according to the review studies. Teleconsultation, Internet use, and E-learning have all become more accessible. A period of transitory economic collapse and an increase in the number of migrants left many despondent. Improvement in family bonding, use of a face mask, and hygiene measures to adapt to the current scenario. There was also an impact on water sources, waste management systems, and environmental resource conservation. CONCLUSION Difficult conditions can provide both problems and opportunities and advantages to the people during a pandemic outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riwanka Khlem
- College of Nursing, NEMCARE Foundation, Mirza, Assam, India
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10
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Georgiev A, Hilendarov A, Tsvetkova S, Vasilska A. Thymoma type B2 progression, due to fear of contamination, in association with hydrocephalus: A case report of avoidant behavior during COVID-19 pandemic. Radiol Case Rep 2022; 17:680-684. [PMID: 34976266 PMCID: PMC8712279 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2021.12.028] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus pandemic outbreak caused extreme public fear, health concerns, and psychological distress, especially in oncology patients. The presented rare case is of a 40-year-old female with thymoma type B, with rapid progression, due to fear from the COVID-19 pandemic. Biopsy and histological verification of the tumor show a B-type thymoma with a high proliferative index. The fear of infection is causing avoidant behavior and leads to suboptimal therapy in some oncology patients that will have severe consequences. We can conclude that adequate, personalized, and most importantly, active psychological care is necessary and should be implemented for cancer patients. To be prepared for a future lockdown, it may be helpful to urge patients to seek alternative forms of social contact, such as online and mobile communications, to combat depression lockdown effects.
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Sami W, Almehmadi B, Althewaikh T, ALhussain A, Bin Saqyan A, Alosaimi M, Alhayden B, Medani K. Effect of COVID-19 on patients health-seeking behaviour in Zulfi City. ADVANCES IN HUMAN BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/aihb.aihb_67_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Biswas B, Roy R, Roy T, Chowdhury S, Dhara A, Mistry K. Geographical Appraisal of COVID-19 in West Bengal, India. GEOJOURNAL 2022; 87:2641-2662. [PMID: 33642665 PMCID: PMC7899073 DOI: 10.1007/s10708-021-10388-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Study shows that COVID-19 cases, deaths and recoveries vary in macro level. Geographical phenomena may act as potential controlling factor. The present paper investigates spatial pattern of COVID-19 cases and deaths in West Bengal (WB), India and assumes Kolkata is the source region of this disease in WB. Thematic maps on COVID related issues are prepared with the help of QGIS 3.10 software. As on 15th January 2021, WB has 564032 number of COVID-19 cases which is 0.618% to the total population of the state. However, the COVID-19 case for India is 0.843% and for world is 1.341% to its total population. Lorenz Curve shows skewed distribution of the COVID-19 cases in WB. 17 (90%) districts hold 84.11% of the total population and carry 56.30% of the total COVID-19 cases. However, the remaining two districts-Kolkata and North 24 Parganas-hold remaining 43.70% COVID-19 cases. Correlation coefficient with COVID-19 cases and Population Density, Urban Population and Concrete Roof of their house are significant at 1% level of significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biplab Biswas
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, 703104 India
| | - Rabindranath Roy
- Department of Community Medicine, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, Burdwan, 713104 India
| | - Tanusri Roy
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, 703104 India
| | - Sumanta Chowdhury
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, 703104 India
| | - Asish Dhara
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, 703104 India
| | - Kamonasish Mistry
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, 703104 India
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13
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Kirby A, Drummond FJ, Lawlor A, Murphy A. Counting the social, psychological, and economic costs of COVID-19 for cancer patients. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:8705-8731. [PMID: 35690662 PMCID: PMC9188420 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07178-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer patients were particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic given their reliance on the healthcare system, and their weakened immune systems. This systematic review examines the social, psychological, and economic impacts of COVID-19 on cancer patients. METHODS The systematic search, conducted in March 2021, captures the experience of COVID-19 Wave I, when the most severe restrictions were in place globally, from a patient perspective. RESULTS The search yielded 56 studies reporting on the economic, social, and psychological impacts of COVID-19. The economic burden associated with cancer for patients during the pandemic included direct and indirect costs with both objective (i.e. financial burden) and subjective elements (financial distress). The pandemic exasperated existing psychological strain and associated adverse outcomes including worry and fear (of COVID-19 and cancer prognosis); distress, anxiety, and depression; social isolation and loneliness. National and institutional public health guidelines to reduce COVID-19 transmission resulted in suspended cancer screening programmes, delayed diagnoses, postponed or deferred treatments, and altered treatment. These altered patients' decision making and health-seeking behaviours. CONCLUSION COVID-19 compounded the economic, social, and psychological impacts of cancer on patients owing to health system adjustments and reduction in economic activity. Identification of the impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients from a psychological, social, and economic perspective following the pandemic can inform the design of timely and appropriate interventions and supports, to deal with the backlog in cancer care and enhance recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Kirby
- Department of Economics, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, Aras na Laoi, Western Rd, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Amy Lawlor
- Department of Economics, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, Aras na Laoi, Western Rd, Cork, Ireland
| | - Aileen Murphy
- Department of Economics, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, Aras na Laoi, Western Rd, Cork, Ireland
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Jazieh AR, Bensalem AA, Bounedjar A, Benbrahim Z, Alorabi MO, Abusanad AM, Tashkandi EM, Alnassar MAMA, El Kinge ARAD, Al-Sukhun S, Alsharm A, Errihani H, Abdelhafiez NA, Alkaiyat M, Jradi H. Predictors of poor precautionary practices towards COVID-19 among cancer patients. Future Oncol 2021; 17:4871-4882. [PMID: 34472365 PMCID: PMC8411992 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Our study goal was to evaluate the behavioral response and practices of cancer patients to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the Middle East and north Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated anonymous 45-question survey administered via SurveyMonkey® to cancer patients in 13 centers in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco and Saudi Arabia. Results: During the study period (from 21 April to 30 May 2020), 3642 patients participated in the study. The majority of patients (84.81%) were worried about contracting the infection. The reported strict adherence to precautions included avoiding the following actions: hand-shaking (77.40%), hugging and kissing (82.89%), social gathering (90.09%), meeting friends (84.68%) and visiting markets (75.65%). In a multivariate analysis, patients with poor precautionary practices were about twice as likely to cancel their medical appointment or a treatment session. Conclusion: Improving cancer patients' knowledge of and adherence to precautionary measures is needed not just to reduce the risk of acquiring infection but also to minimize the interruption of their medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul R Jazieh
- 1Cincinnati Cancer Advisors, Cincinnati, OH, USA,Author for correspondence:
| | - Assia A Bensalem
- 2Medical Oncology Department, Établissement Hospitalier DIDOUCHE Mourad, Faculté de medicine, Université de Constantine 3, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Adda Bounedjar
- 3Université Blida 1 Laboratoire de cancérologie, Faculté de Médecine, BP 270, Route de soumaa, Blida, Algeria
| | - Zineb Benbrahim
- 4Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy of Fez, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco
| | - Mohamed O Alorabi
- 5Ain Shams Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Oncology Department, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Atlal M Abusanad
- 6Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad M Tashkandi
- 7College of Medicine, Umm Alqura University, Oncology Center, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Abdul RAD El Kinge
- 9Hematology Oncology Service, NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah, Sharjah University, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Sana Al-Sukhun
- 10Hematology/Medical Oncology, Al-Hyatt Oncology Practice, Amman, Jordan
| | - Abdullah Alsharm
- 11Comprehensive Cancer Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan Errihani
- 12National Institute of Oncology, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Nafisa A Abdelhafiez
- 13Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, MNGHA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Alkaiyat
- 14Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hoda Jradi
- 15College of Public Health & Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Kelemenic-Drazin R, Budisavljevic A, Plavetic ND, Fucak IK, Silovski T, Dobric VT, Nalbani M, Curic Z, Boric-Mikez Z, Ladenhauser T, Trivanovic D, Vojnovic Z, Tomas I, Plestina S. Impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic on cancer care in Croatia: a multicentre cross-sectional study. Ecancermedicalscience 2021; 15:1263. [PMID: 34567248 PMCID: PMC8426007 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2021.1263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly affected the oncology community worldwide. Lockdowns, an epidemiological measure, have made it difficult for oncologists to provide care. In this study, we analysed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Croatian cancer care. Methods This was a multicentre cross-sectional observational study of 422 patients who received systemic oncology therapy during the pandemic. The patients completed a survey to capture their views on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their cancer care. Univariate descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed to analyse the relationship between the patients’ perspective on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care and the quality of Croatian cancer care and their clinical and sociodemographic data. Results Discontinuation or change in cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic was observed in 10.2% of cases. Most did not change their place of treatment owing to the lockdown (97.6%). 14.7% of the patients felt that the quality of cancer care received had changed during the pandemic. Conclusions In the first few months of the pandemic, Croatia had a favourable epidemiological situation. However, 25% of patients with cancer reported that the pandemic affected cancer treatment and the quality of cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Kelemenic-Drazin
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, General Hospital Varazdin, I. Mestrovica 1, 42000, Varazdin, Croatia
| | - Anuska Budisavljevic
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, General Hospital Pula, Zagrebacka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Natalija Dedic Plavetic
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Kispaticeva 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Iva Kardum Fucak
- Department of Gastroenterology, Haematology and Oncology, General Hospital Dr. Tomislav Bardek Koprivnica, Ulica doktora Zeljka Selingera bb, 48000, Koprivnica, Croatia
| | - Tajana Silovski
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Kispaticeva 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vesna Telesmanic Dobric
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, General Hospital Zadar, Ul. Boze Pericica 5, 23000, Zadar, Croatia
| | - Mario Nalbani
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital Dubrovnik, Dr. Roka Misetica 2, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
| | - Zvonimir Curic
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital Dubrovnik, Dr. Roka Misetica 2, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
| | - Zvjezdana Boric-Mikez
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, General Hospital Dr. Josip Bencevic Slavonski Brod, Ul. Andrije Stampara, 35000, Slavonski Brod, Croatia
| | - Tatjana Ladenhauser
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Centre Osijek, Ul. Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Dragan Trivanovic
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, General Hospital Pula, Zagrebacka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Zeljko Vojnovic
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, General Hospital Varazdin, I. Mestrovica 1, 42000, Varazdin, Croatia
| | - Ilijan Tomas
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Centre Osijek, Ul. Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Stjepko Plestina
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Kispaticeva 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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16
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Roy S, Ghosh J, Ganguly S, Mondal D, Dabkara D, Chatterji S, Biswas B. Outcome of COVID-19 in Solid Organ Malignancies: Experience From a Tertiary Cancer Center in Eastern India. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:1374-1379. [PMID: 34506223 PMCID: PMC8440012 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a unique challenge to oncology patients. Outcome data on COVID-19 in patients with cancer from the Indian subcontinent are scarce in the literature. We aimed to evaluate the outcome of patients with COVID-19 on active systemic anticancer therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective study of patients with solid organ malignancies undergoing systemic therapy with a diagnosis of COVID-19 between March 2020 and February 2021. COVID-19 was diagnosed if a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay from oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swab was positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The objectives were to evaluate the outcome of COVID-19 and factors predicting the outcome. RESULTS A total of 145 patients were included with a median age of 58 years (range, 20-81 years). Treatment was curative in 60 (42%) patients. Of all symptomatic cases (n = 88, 61%), 50 had mild, 27 had moderate and 19 had severe COVID-19–related symptoms as per WHO criteria. Fifty (34%) patients required hospitalization with a median duration of hospital stay of 12 days (range, 4-25 days); five patients required intensive care unit admission. The rest were treated with home isolation and did not require further hospitalization. Twenty-two (15%) patients died, and the risk of death was significantly associated with severity of symptoms (odds ratio, 91.3; 95% CI, 9.1 to 919.5, P = .0001) but not with any other clinical factors. Drug holiday was given to 63 (44%) patients with a median duration of 25 days (range, 7-88 days). The median duration to reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction–negative was 16 days (range, 7-62 days). CONCLUSION COVD-19–related death rate was 15% among patients with solid organ malignancies. The severity of the symptoms was related to mortality. The majority of patients with mild symptoms were treated at home isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somnath Roy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Joydeep Ghosh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Sandip Ganguly
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Debapriya Mondal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Deepak Dabkara
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Bivas Biswas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
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17
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Lesley GC, Tahmasebi H, Meti N, Wright FC, Thawer A, Cheung M, Singh S. Cancer Treatment During COVID-19: A Qualitative Analysis of Patient-Perceived Risks and Experiences with Virtual Care. J Patient Exp 2021; 8:23743735211039328. [PMID: 34485693 PMCID: PMC8411616 DOI: 10.1177/23743735211039328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, most cancer centers shifted from in-person to virtual cancer care to curb community spread and ensure care continuity. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to understand cancer patient-perceived risks related to COVID-19 and cancer treatment, as well as the patient-perceived and experienced value of virtual care. From June to August 2020, focus groups were conducted with patients under active management or observation for a diagnosed malignancy in Toronto, Canada. A thematic analysis of six focus groups found that most participants worried more about treatment delays than they did about COVID-19 infection. Despite some concern about COVID-19 exposure in the hospital, care delays contributed to increased anxiety among participants who already subscribed to strict safety measures in their everyday lives. Most participants accepted virtual care for some appointment types; however, preference for in-person care was found to sustain the humanistic and therapeutic aspects of cancer care that many participants valued. Nuances in the appropriateness and adequacy of virtual cancer care still need exploration. Preserving the humanistic aspects of care is of paramount importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gotlib Conn Lesley
- Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research
Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Houman Tahmasebi
- Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research
Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nicholas Meti
- Odette Cancer Center, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, Canada
| | - Frances C. Wright
- Odette Cancer Center, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alia Thawer
- Department of Pharmacy, Sunnybrook Health Sciences
Center, Toronto, Canada
| | - Matthew Cheung
- Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research
Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Odette Cancer Center, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, Canada
| | - Simron Singh
- Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research
Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Odette Cancer Center, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, Canada
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18
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Round T, L'Esperance V, Bayly J, Brain K, Dallas L, Edwards JG, Haswell T, Hiley C, Lovell N, McAdam J, McCutchan G, Nair A, Newsom-Davis T, Sage EK, Navani N. COVID-19 and the multidisciplinary care of patients with lung cancer: an evidence-based review and commentary. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:629-640. [PMID: 33972746 PMCID: PMC8108433 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01361-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Delivering lung cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant and ongoing challenges. There is a lack of published COVID-19 and lung cancer evidence-based reviews, including for the whole patient pathway. We searched for COVID-19 and lung cancer publications and brought together a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders to review and comment on the evidence and challenges. A rapid review of the literature was undertaken up to 28 October 2020, producing 144 papers, with 113 full texts screened. We focused on new primary data collection (qualitative or quantitative evidence) and excluded case reports, editorials and commentaries. Following exclusions, 15 published papers were included in the review and are summarised. They included one qualitative paper and 14 quantitative studies (surveys or cohort studies), with a total of 2295 lung cancer patients data included (mean study size 153 patients; range 7-803). Review of current evidence and commentary included awareness and help-seeking; lung cancer screening; primary care assessment and referral; diagnosis and treatment in secondary care, including oncology and surgery; patient experience and palliative care. Cross-cutting themes and challenges were identified using qualitative methods for patients, healthcare professionals and service delivery, with a clear need for continued studies to guide evidence-based decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Round
- School of Population Health Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Joanne Bayly
- Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kate Brain
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | | | - Crispin Hiley
- Research Department of Oncology, Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Natasha Lovell
- Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Julia McAdam
- Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust, Lung Cancer Nurses UK, Shrewsbury, UK
| | - Grace McCutchan
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Arjun Nair
- NHS England Targeted Lung Health Checks Programme, Department of Radiology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Joint Clinical Lead, London, UK
| | | | | | - Neal Navani
- Lungs For Living Research Centre, University College London and Department of Thoracic Medicine, University College London Hospital, London, UK.
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19
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Dhada S, Stewart D, Cheema E, Hadi MA, Paudyal V. Cancer Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review of Patient's and Caregiver's Experiences. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:5875-5887. [PMID: 34349561 PMCID: PMC8328387 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s318115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer patients have faced intersecting crises during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review aimed to examine patients' and caregivers' experiences of accessing cancer services during the pandemic and its perceived impact on their psychological wellbeing. PATIENTS AND METHODS A protocol-led (CRD42020214906) systematic review was conducted by searching six databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE and CINAHL for articles published in English-language between 1/2020 and 12/2020. Data were extracted using a pilot-tested, structured data extraction form. Thematic synthesis of data was undertaken and reported as per the PRISMA guideline. RESULTS A total of 1110 articles were screened, of which 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies originated from 10 different countries including the US, UK, India and China. Extracted data were categorised into seven themes. Postponement and delays in cancer screening and treatment, drug shortages and inadequate nursing care were commonly experienced by patients. Hospital closures, resource constraints, national lockdowns and patient reluctance to use health services due to infection worries contributed to the delay. Financial and social distress, isolation, and spiritual distress were also commonly reported. Caregivers in addition felt anxious about infecting cancer patients with COVID-19. CONCLUSION Patients and caregivers experienced delays in cancer screening, treatment and care during the COVID-19 pandemic and negatively affected their psychological wellbeing. Their views and preferences should be accounted to minimise the impact of the current and any future pandemics and ensure resilient cancer services. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION Published protocol registered with Centre for Review and Dissemination CRD42020214906 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=214906).
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Affiliation(s)
- Symran Dhada
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Derek Stewart
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ejaz Cheema
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Muhammad Abdul Hadi
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vibhu Paudyal
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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20
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Ballatore Z, Merloni F, Ranallo N, Bastianelli L, Vitarelli F, Cantini L, Ricci G, Ferretti B, Alessandroni P, Del Prete M, Chiorrini S, Safi M, Ficarelli R, Benedetti G, Faloppi L, Marcellini M, Stoico R, Berardi R. Cancer patient perspective in the arena of COVID-19 pandemic. Psychooncology 2021; 31:39-45. [PMID: 34315188 PMCID: PMC8420223 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has been declared a global pandemic of unprecedented proportions. Italy is a country which has been heavily affected. Cancer patients are at a higher risk owing to their intrinsic fragility related to their underlying disease and oncologic treatment. Against this backdrop, we conducted a survey to investigate how patients perceived their condition, clinical management and availability of information during the pandemic. METHODS Between 15 April and 1 May 2020 a survey was submitted to cancer patients at oncology departments in the Marche region. Questions regarding the perception of personal safety, continuity of cancer care, information quality and psychological distress. RESULTS Seven hundred patients participated in the survey; 59% were female and 40% were aged between 46 and 65. The majority of the participants perceived compliance with appropriate safety standards by cancer care providers and 80% were reassured about their concerns during the medical interview. 40% were worried of being at a higher risk of infection and 71% felt they were at a greater risk because of chemotherapy. 55% felt that postponing cancer treatment could reduce its efficacy, however 76% declared they did not feel abandoned at the time of treatment postponement. Patients between 46 and 65 years declared a significant reduction in sleep (p < 0.01) and in concentration (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS The emergency care offered to cancer patients has been deemed satisfactory in terms of both safety standards and care management. However, the majority of participants perceived the mutual negative influence between their oncologic disease and the risk of infection highlighting the need for special measures to ensure safe continuity of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelmira Ballatore
- Clinical OncologyUniversità Politecnica delle MarcheAOU Ospedali Riuniti di AnconaAnconaItaly
| | - Filippo Merloni
- Clinical OncologyUniversità Politecnica delle MarcheAOU Ospedali Riuniti di AnconaAnconaItaly
| | - Nicoletta Ranallo
- Clinical OncologyUniversità Politecnica delle MarcheAOU Ospedali Riuniti di AnconaAnconaItaly
| | - Lucia Bastianelli
- Clinical OncologyUniversità Politecnica delle MarcheAOU Ospedali Riuniti di AnconaAnconaItaly
| | - Francesca Vitarelli
- Clinical OncologyUniversità Politecnica delle MarcheAOU Ospedali Riuniti di AnconaAnconaItaly
| | - Luca Cantini
- Clinical OncologyUniversità Politecnica delle MarcheAOU Ospedali Riuniti di AnconaAnconaItaly
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Clinical OncologyUniversità Politecnica delle MarcheAOU Ospedali Riuniti di AnconaAnconaItaly
| | | | - Paolo Alessandroni
- U.O. OncologiaAzienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche NordPesaroItaly
| | | | | | - Mobin Safi
- U.O. OncologiaOspedale C. UrbaniJesiItaly
| | - Rita Ficarelli
- U.O. OncologiaPresidio Ospedaliero Unico “Santa Maria della Misericordia”UrbinoItaly
| | | | | | | | - Rosa Stoico
- Clinical OncologyUniversità Politecnica delle MarcheAOU Ospedali Riuniti di AnconaAnconaItaly
| | - Rossana Berardi
- Clinical OncologyUniversità Politecnica delle MarcheAOU Ospedali Riuniti di AnconaAnconaItaly
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakash Desai
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.,Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Narjust Duma
- Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Gilberto Lopes
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami, Miami, FL
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22
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COVID-19 and the multidisciplinary care of patients with lung cancer: an evidence-based review and commentary. Br J Cancer 2021. [PMID: 33972746 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01361-6.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Delivering lung cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant and ongoing challenges. There is a lack of published COVID-19 and lung cancer evidence-based reviews, including for the whole patient pathway. We searched for COVID-19 and lung cancer publications and brought together a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders to review and comment on the evidence and challenges. A rapid review of the literature was undertaken up to 28 October 2020, producing 144 papers, with 113 full texts screened. We focused on new primary data collection (qualitative or quantitative evidence) and excluded case reports, editorials and commentaries. Following exclusions, 15 published papers were included in the review and are summarised. They included one qualitative paper and 14 quantitative studies (surveys or cohort studies), with a total of 2295 lung cancer patients data included (mean study size 153 patients; range 7-803). Review of current evidence and commentary included awareness and help-seeking; lung cancer screening; primary care assessment and referral; diagnosis and treatment in secondary care, including oncology and surgery; patient experience and palliative care. Cross-cutting themes and challenges were identified using qualitative methods for patients, healthcare professionals and service delivery, with a clear need for continued studies to guide evidence-based decision-making.
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23
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Marijanović I, Kraljević M, Buhovac T, Cerić T, Mekić Abazović A, Alidžanović J, Gojković Z, Sokolović E. Use of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) Questionnaire to Assess Levels of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Healthcare and Administrative Staff in 5 Oncology Institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e930812. [PMID: 33867520 PMCID: PMC8063632 DOI: 10.12659/msm.930812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Providing oncology services during a pandemic can contribute to mental health challenges among healthcare workers. The present study aimed to evaluate the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in healthcare and administrative staff in 5 oncology institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in 2020 during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaire. Material/Methods A cross-sectional observational study enrolled 175 healthcare and administrative workers from 5 oncology institutions in BiH during December 2020. Data were collected using a questionnaire that captured general information about the participants and a DASS-21 questionnaire. Results Statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress (P=0.003, P=0.011, and P=0.022, respectively) among participants with comorbidities connected with increased risk of severe illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) compared with participants without comorbidities. There was also a statistically significant difference in the levels of stress among participants from different cities (P=0.031). Supplement intake and educational level were significantly related (P=0.012). High levels of stress and anxiety were accompanied by high levels of depression among participants (P<0.01). Conclusions The findings from the present study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an effect on depression, anxiety, and stress levels in oncology staff in BiH. Monitoring these levels and providing interventions and support to oncology staff are increasingly important for their wellbeing and retention at a time of global crisis in healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Marijanović
- Oncology Clinic, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Marija Kraljević
- Oncology Clinic, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Teo Buhovac
- Oncology Clinic, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Timur Cerić
- Clinic of Oncology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Alma Mekić Abazović
- Department of Oncology, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jasmina Alidžanović
- Department of Oncology, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Zdenka Gojković
- Oncology Clinic, Clinical Center Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Emir Sokolović
- Health Care Center of Sarajevo Canton, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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24
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Rajan S, Akhtar N, Tripathi A, Kumar V, Chaturvedi A, Mishra P, Sharma S, Misra S, Gupta S, Singh M. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cancer surgery: Patient's perspective. J Surg Oncol 2021; 123:1188-1198. [PMID: 33592128 PMCID: PMC8013664 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has impacted cancer care globally. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of COVID‐19 on cancer healthcare from the perspective of patients with cancer. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted between June 19, 2020, to August 7, 2020, using a questionnaire designed by patients awaiting cancer surgery. We examined the impact of COVID‐19 on five domains (financial status, healthcare access, stress, anxiety, and depression) and their relationship with various patient‐related variables. Factors likely to determine the influence of COVID‐19 on patient care were analyzed. Results A significant adverse impact was noted in all five domains (p = < 0.05), with the maximal impact felt in the domain of financial status followed by healthcare access. Patients with income levels of INR < 35 K (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.61, p < 0.05), and 35K‐ 100 K (AOR = 1.96, p < 0.05), married patients (AOR = 3.30, p < 0.05), and rural patients (AOR = 2.82, p < 0.05) experienced the most adverse COVID‐19‐related impact. Conclusion Delivering quality cancer care in low to middle‐income countries is a challenge even in normal times. During this pandemic, deficiencies in this fragile healthcare delivery system were exacerbated. Identification of vulnerable groups of patients and strategic utilization of available resources becomes even more important during global catastrophes, such as the current COVID‐19 pandemic. Further work is required in these avenues to not only address the current pandemic but also any potential future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Rajan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Naseem Akhtar
- Department of Surgical Oncology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Abhilasha Tripathi
- Department of Pharmacology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Surgical Oncology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Arun Chaturvedi
- Department of Surgical Oncology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Prabhaker Mishra
- Department of Biostatistics & Health Informatics, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Sonali Sharma
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Sanjeev Misra
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Sameer Gupta
- Department of Surgical Oncology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Mohit Singh
- Department of Surgical Oncology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
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25
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Mallick I, Chakraborty S, Baral S, Saha S, Lal VH, Sasidharan R, Santosham RJM, Chhatbar S, Bhusal S, Goyal L, Maulik S, Phesao V, Arora S, Bhattacharyya T, Mahata A, Prasath S, Balakrishnan A, Mandal S, Arunsingh MA, Achari R, Chatterjee S. Prioritizing Delivery of Cancer Treatment During a COVID-19 Lockdown: The Experience of a Clinical Oncology Service in India. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:99-107. [PMID: 33449800 PMCID: PMC8081517 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00433] [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: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A COVID-19 lockdown in India posed significant challenges to the continuation of radiotherapy (RT) and systemic therapy services. Although several COVID-19 service guidelines have been promulgated, implementation data are yet unavailable. We performed a comprehensive audit of the implementation of services in a clinical oncology department. METHODS A departmental protocol of priority-based treatment guidance was developed, and a departmental staff rotation policy was implemented. Data were collected for the period of lockdown on outpatient visits, starting, and delivery of RT and systemic therapy. Adherence to protocol was audited, and factors affecting change from pre-COVID standards analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Outpatient consults dropped by 58%. Planned RT starts were implemented in 90%, 100%, 92%, 90%, and 75% of priority level 1-5 patients. Although 17% had a deferred start, the median time to start of adjuvant RT and overall treatment times were maintained. Concurrent chemotherapy was administered in 89% of those eligible. Systemic therapy was administered to 84.5% of planned patients. However, 33% and 57% of curative and palliative patients had modifications in cycle duration or deferrals. The patient’s inability to come was the most common reason for RT or ST deviation. Factors independently associated with a change from pre-COVID practice was priority-level allocation for RT and age and palliative intent for systemic therapy. CONCLUSION Despite significant access limitations, a planned priority-based system of delivery of treatment could be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indranil Mallick
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Shweta Baral
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Saheli Saha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Vishnu H Lal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Rohit Sasidharan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Samarth Chhatbar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Subecha Bhusal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Love Goyal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Shaurav Maulik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Vezokhoto Phesao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Siddharth Arora
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Anurupa Mahata
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Sriram Prasath
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Arun Balakrishnan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Samar Mandal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Moses A Arunsingh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Rimpa Achari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - Sanjoy Chatterjee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
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van Ballegooie C, Hoang P. Health Services: A Mixed Methods Assessment of Canadian Cancer Patient Education Materials Related to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Cancer Control 2021; 28:1073274821989709. [PMID: 33563050 PMCID: PMC8482715 DOI: 10.1177/1073274821989709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted the reorganization in the scheduling and method of care for many patients, including patients diagnosed with cancer. Cancer patients, who have an immunocompromised status, may be at a higher risk of severe symptoms from infection with COVID-19. While information is rapidly evolving regarding COVID-19, Canada, both nationally and provincially, has been conveying new information to patients online. We assessed the content and readability of COVID-19-related online Canadian patient education material (PEM) for cancer patients to determine if the content of the material was written at a grade reading level that the majority of Canadians can understand. PEMs were extracted from provincial cancer agencies and the national Canadian Cancer Society, evaluated using 10 readability scales, qualitatively analyzed to identify their themes and difficult word content. Thirty-eight PEMs from both national and provincial cancers associations were, on average, written above the recommended 7th grade level. Each of the associations' average grade levels were: BC Cancer (11.00 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.27-13.38), CancerControl Alberta (10.46 95% CI 8.29-12.62), Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (11.08 95% CI 9.37-12.80), Cancer Care Manitoba (9.55 95% CI 6.02-13.01), Cancer Care Ontario (9.35 95% CI 6.80-11.90), Cancer Care Nova Scotia (10.95 95% CI 9.86-12.04), Cancer Care Eastern Health Newfoundland and Labrador (10.14 95% CI 6.87-13.41), and the Canadian Cancer Society (10.06 95% CI 8.07-12.05). Thematic analysis identified 4 themes: public health strategy, information about COVID-19, patient instructions during COVID-19, and resources. Fifty-three percent of the complex words identified were medical jargon. This represents an opportunity to improve PEM readability, to allow for greater comprehension amongst a wider target audience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney van Ballegooie
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Courtney van Ballegooie, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Institute, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V5Z 1L3.
| | - Peter Hoang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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27
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Datta SS, Mukherjee A, Ghose S, Bhattacharya S, Gyawali B. Addressing the Mental Health Challenges of Cancer Care Workers in LMICs During the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic. JCO Glob Oncol 2020; 6:1490-1493. [PMID: 33017180 PMCID: PMC7605381 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Soumitra S Datta
- Department of Palliative Care and Psycho-oncology, Tata Medical Centre, New Town Rajarhat, Kolkata, India.,MRC Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, UK
| | - Arnab Mukherjee
- Department of Palliative Care and Psycho-oncology, Tata Medical Centre, New Town Rajarhat, Kolkata, India
| | - Soumita Ghose
- Department of Medical Administration, Tata Medical Centre, New Town Rajarhat, Kolkata, India
| | - Sanjay Bhattacharya
- Department of Microbiology, Tata Medical Centre, New Town Rajarhat, Kolkata, India
| | - Bishal Gyawali
- Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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28
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Catania C, Spitaleri G, Del Signore E, Attili I, Radice D, Stati V, Gianoncelli L, Morganti S, de Marinis F. Fears and Perception of the Impact of COVID-19 on Patients With Lung Cancer: A Mono-Institutional Survey. Front Oncol 2020; 10:584612. [PMID: 33163413 PMCID: PMC7591454 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.584612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In February 2020, Italy became one of the first countries to be plagued by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, COVID-19. In March 2020, the Italian government decreed a lockdown for the whole country, which overturned communication systems, hospital organization, and access to patients and their relatives and carers. This issue had a particular regard for cancer patients. Our Thoracic Oncology Division therefore reorganized patient access in order to reduce the risk of contagion and, at the same time, encourage the continuation of treatment. Our staff contacted all patients to inform them of any changes in treatment planning, check that they were taking safety measures, and ascertain their feelings and whether they had any COVID-19 symptoms. To better understand patients’ fears and expectations of during the pandemic period, we created a nine-question interview, administered from April to May 2020 to 156 patients with lung cancer. Patients were classified by age, sex, comorbidity, disease stage, prior treatment, and treatment type. The survey showed that during the pandemic period some patients experienced fear of COVID-19, in particular: women (55% vs. 33%), patients with comorbidities (24% vs. 9%), and patients who had already received prior insult (radiotherapy or surgery) on the lung (30% vs. 11%). In addition, the patients who received oral treatment at home or for whom intravenous treatment was delayed, experienced a sense of relief (90% and 72% respectively). However, only 21% of the patients were more afraid of COVID-19 than of their cancer, in particular patients with long-term (> 12 months) vs. short-term cancer diagnosis (28% vs. 12.5%, respectively). Furthermore, the quarantine period or even just the lockdown period alone, worsened the quality of life of some patients (40%), especially those in oral treatment (47%). Our data demonstrate how lung cancer patients are more afraid of their disease than of a world pandemic. Also this interview indirectly highlights the clinician’s major guiding principle in correctly and appropriately managing not just the patient’s expectations of their illness and its treatment, but also and especially of the patient’s fears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Catania
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Spitaleri
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ester Del Signore
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Attili
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Radice
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Stati
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Gianoncelli
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Morganti
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo de Marinis
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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29
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Antikchi MH, Neamatzadeh H, Ghelmani Y, Jafari-Nedooshan J, Dastgheib SA, Kargar S, Noorishadkam M, Bahrami R, Jarahzadeh MH. The Risk and Prevalence of COVID-19 Infection in Colorectal Cancer Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Gastrointest Cancer 2020; 52:73-79. [PMID: 32997314 PMCID: PMC7524641 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-020-00528-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Patients with cancer might be at an increased risk of infection with COVID-19 and a more severe disease course. However, different tumor types have differing susceptibility to the infection and COVID-19 phenotypes. Thus, the risk and prevalence of COVID-19 is not uniform across the different tumor types. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the risk and prevalence of COVID-19 infection in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed up to July 25, 2020, thorough PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, CNKI, CBM, China Science, Wan Fang, and SciELO databases. The risk of COVID-19 infection in CRC patients was performed based on the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results A total of six studies with 204 different cancer patients with COVID-19 and 92 CRC infected patients with COVID-19 were selected. Our results showed that the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in CRC patients was 45.1% in the global population. The pooled data showed that there is no a significant risk of infection with COVID-19 in CRC patients in the global population (OR = 0.261, 95% CI 0.099–0.533, p = 0.082). However, when subgroup analysis was performed based on country of origin, we found a significant correlation in Chinese CRC patients (OR = 0.221, 95% CI 0.146–0.319, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions This study results revealed that Chinese CRC patients harbored a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. However, more multicenter, larger sample sizes and high-quality studies are required to verify this meta-analysis result.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hossein Neamatzadeh
- Mother and Newborn Health Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Yaser Ghelmani
- Clinical Research Development Center of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Jamal Jafari-Nedooshan
- Department of General Surgery, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Seyed Alireza Dastgheib
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shadi Kargar
- Department of General Surgery, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mahmood Noorishadkam
- Mother and Newborn Health Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Reza Bahrami
- Neonatal Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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30
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Radhakrishnan VS, Nair RKS, Goel G, Ramanan V, Chandy M, Nair R. COVID-19 and haematology services in a cancer centre from a middle-income country: adapting service delivery, balancing the known and unknown during the pandemic. Ecancermedicalscience 2020; 14:1110. [PMID: 33144878 PMCID: PMC7581330 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2020.1110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions in multiple spheres of healthcare delivery in the world. Developing nations have had to tackle this unanticipated crisis in the midst of various other healthcare delivery issues and resource constraints. As a tertiary level cancer care provider located in an eastern Indian city, a COVID-19 hotspot, we share our experience from the perspective of haematology and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) services. The primary challenges related to infection control included infection screening and decreasing exposure among patients and healthcare workers. Logistic challenges include maintaining essential patient care services, personnel redeployment, blood bank inventory constraints and maintaining the supply chain for a continuum of care. Clinical management challenges were dealt with by rationalising treatment delivery by modification of treatment regimens, risk-based deferral of HSCT, management of COVID-19 in patients, and staggering the follow-up schedules in survivors and those on maintenance therapies, among other strategies. These challenges were compounded by the restrictions imposed by a countrywide lockdown in the initial period of the pandemic, which also affected the socio-economic aspects of treatment delivery. As a training institution, this period also impacted academics and research activities. This overview details our response to these challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has many unknowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek S Radhakrishnan
- Division of Clinical Haematology Oncology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata 700160, India
- https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9484-5669
| | | | - Gaurav Goel
- Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata 700160, India
| | - Venkatraman Ramanan
- Executive Office, Administration, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata 700160, India
| | - Mammen Chandy
- Division of Clinical Haematology Oncology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata 700160, India
- Executive Office, Administration, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata 700160, India
| | - Reena Nair
- Division of Clinical Haematology Oncology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata 700160, India
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31
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Miaskowski C, Paul SM, Snowberg K, Abbott M, Borno H, Chang S, Chen LM, Cohen B, Cooper BA, Hammer MJ, Kenfield SA, Laffan A, Levine JD, Pozzar R, Tsai KK, Van Blarigan EL, Van Loon K. Oncology patients' perceptions of and experiences with COVID-19. Support Care Cancer 2020; 29:1941-1950. [PMID: 32809060 PMCID: PMC7431899 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05684-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose No information is available on cancer patients’ knowledge of and experiences with COVID-19. We undertook an evaluation of differences in COVID-19 symptom occurrence rates, COVID-19 testing rates, clinical care activities, knowledge of COVID-19, and use of mitigation procedures between patients who were and were not receiving active cancer treatment. Methods Patients enrolled were > 18 years of age; had a diagnosis of cancer; and were able to complete the emailed study survey online. Results Of the 174 patients who participated, 27.6% (n = 48) were receiving active treatment, 13.6% were unemployed because of COVID-19, 12.2% had been tested for COVID-19, and 0.6% had been hospitalized for COVID-19. Patients who were not on active treatment reported a higher mean number of COVID-19 symptoms (3.1 (± 4.2) versus 1.9 (± 2.6)), and patients who reported a higher number of COVID-19 symptoms were more likely to be tested. Over 55% of the patients were confident that their primary care provider could diagnose COVID-19, and the majority of the patients had high levels of adherence with the use of precautionary measures (e.g., social distancing, use of face coverings). Conclusion The high level of COVID-19 symptoms and the significant overlap of COVID-19 and cancer-related symptoms pose challenges for clinicians who are assessing and triaging oncology patients for COVID-19 testing. For patients on active treatment, clinicians face challenges with how to assess and manage symptoms that, prior to COVID-19, would be ascribed to acute toxicities associated with cancer treatments or persistent symptoms in cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Miaskowski
- Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, 2 Koret Way - N631Y, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0610, USA. .,School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Steven M Paul
- Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, 2 Koret Way - N631Y, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0610, USA
| | - Karin Snowberg
- Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, 2 Koret Way - N631Y, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0610, USA
| | - Maura Abbott
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hala Borno
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Susan Chang
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lee May Chen
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bevin Cohen
- Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bruce A Cooper
- Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, 2 Koret Way - N631Y, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0610, USA
| | | | - Stacey A Kenfield
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Angela Laffan
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jon D Levine
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Katy K Tsai
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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32
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Chauhan R, Trivedi V, Rani R, Singh U, Singh V, Shubham S, Kumari S, Uniyal A. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of radiotherapy: A retrospective single-institution study. CANCER RESEARCH, STATISTICS, AND TREATMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/crst.crst_255_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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