1625P The virtual clinic: An insight into the patient and clinician experience in cancer during COVID-19

Abstract

Background:The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many aspects of clinical practice in oncology, particularly in making timely cancer diagnosis. Our public health system has been concerned about potential delays leading to a higher proportion of patients with advanced stages. Our cancer diagnosis fast-track program (CFP) in the Clinic-Malvarrosa Health department in Valencia (Spain) is connecting primary care (PC) with different specialists to speed cancer diagnosis and treatment upon well founded suspicion. A 10-year evaluation of our CFP has recently been published. The aim of this analysis was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the CFP. Methods:We analysed the programme flow during the state of emergency starting on March 16, 2020 for one year.Results: During that year, 975 suspected cancer cases were submitted to the CFP. The submissions only decreased during the times of highest COVID-19 incidence and stricter lockdown (March, April and October 2020). However, referrals were slightly higher than in the two previous years (average 877). Of those 975 patients, 817 were seen by the corresponding specialist. A cancer diagnosis was confirmed in 197 (24.1%) with 33% urological, 23% breast, 16% gastrointestinal and 9% lung cancer. Median time from referral to the specialist visit was 13 (interquartile range, 8 to 22 days) days and a diagnosis was reached in a median of 18 days (interquartile range, 10 to 30 days). In cancer patients, treatment was started in around 30 days (interquartile range, 13.5 to 51 days) from the time of diagnosis. Sixty-one percent of cancers were found in an early stage, 20% in a locally advanced stage, and 19% in an advanced stage. These intervals and proportions were similar to the previous years.Conclusions: Our programme has proven to be a reliable tool to help PC physicians referring patients with cancer suspicion cancer, maintaining its normal flow and efficacy despite the current pandemic.Legal entity responsible for the study: The authors.

‘A life in a day’ simulation experience: perceptions of oncology nurses and pharmacy staff

“…Some participants found it challenging to show empathy through telephone consultations, especially if rapport had not been previously established. As telephone consultations have been demonstrated to be effective communication methods within healthcare [16], they will be incorporated into healthcare practice going forward. For this reason, it is extremely important that HCPs are adequately trained to continue providing holistic and patient centred care, even via telecommunication.…”

Considerations for effective and person-centred virtual consultations

“…This may be easier when there is an established relationship with the patient. Most patients and clinicians prefer to share bad news through a face-to-face consultation (9). However, the patient's preference and circumstances are to be noted when determining the mode of delivery.…”