Reorganisation of medical oncology departments during the novel coronavirus disease-19 pandemic: a nationwide Italian survey. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Indini, Alice; Aschele, Carlo; Cavanna, Luigi; Clerico, Mario; Daniele, Bruno; Fiorentini, Giammaria; Fioretto, Luisa; Giordano, Monica; Montesarchio, Vincenzo; Ortega, Cinzia; Pinotti, Graziella; Scanni, Alberto; Zamagni, Claudio; Blasi, Livio; Grossi, Francesco
• Is Part Of: European journal of cancer. Volume 132(2020)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 23
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Cancer -- Infection -- Coronavirus -- Pandemic -- Health care -- Oncology; Cancer -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Périodiques; Cancer; Tumors; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.03.024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-8049

Abstract

Abstract: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 pandemic is a global health problem, which started to affect China by the end of 2019. In Europe, Italy has faced this novel disease entity (named novel coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) first and severely. COVID-19 represents a significant hurdle for public health services and a potential harm for patients with cancer. The Collegio Italiano dei Primari Oncologi Medici (CIPOMO) is an Italian association of head physicians in oncology departments, which promotes working and research activities in oncology on a national basis. In the midst of the epidemic in Italy, the CIPOMO promoted a national survey aiming to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on clinical activity of oncologists and the implementation of containment measures of COVID-19 diffusion. Overall, 122 head physicians participated in this survey, with a homogeneous distribution on the national territory. Results show that the following measures for oncologic patients have been promptly implemented through the whole country: use of protective devices, triage of patients accessing the hospital, delay of non-urgent visits and use of telemedicine. Results of this survey suggest that Italian oncology departments have promptly set a proactive approach to the actual emergency. Oncologists need to preserve the continuum of care of patients, as the benefit of ensuring a well-delivered anti-cancer treatment plan outweighs the risk of COVID-19 infection. International cooperation is an important starting point, as heavily affected nations can serve as an example to find out ways to safely preserve health activity during the pandemic. Highlights: The novel coronavirus disease is a global health problem. Patients with cancer are at risk of infections due to several predisposing factors. Delaying oncologic procedures can compromise the efficacy of treatment itself. Oncologists face the need to preserve their patients' continuum of care. Proactive containment measures can protect both patients and medical activity.