Oncology services in corona times: a flash interview among German cancer patients and their physicians

Abstract

Objective Public discussion and health-care systems worldwide have been focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic. Does it have an impact on cancer care today? Materials and methods The PRIO ("Prevention and Integrative Oncology") Working Group (German Cancer Society) has initiated an online survey for physicians, medical staff and patients on April 16, 2020. Between April 16 and April 19, 47 doctors and 146 patients filled in the questionnaires. The survey is ongoing. We present the first data. Results A majority of German patients (76%) and physicians (71%) report moderate or high restriction in their daily life. A minority (patients 25%, physicians 13%) was not worried that necessary treatments or diagnostics were restricted. Organizing cancer care needs more time and efforts for 56% of all reporting doctors. 98% of all oncologists think that restriction of family visits has a negative impact on the mental health of cancer patients. Half of all participants (patients 43%, physicians 47%) expect negative consequences on the physical status of our patients. Patients feel the existing emotional stress in 34% of their physicians. 52% of physicians fear mental and/or physical longtime consequences for themselves. Conclusion There is a high level of mental and physical stress triggered by the present COVID-19 management. After only a few weeks, human resources are limited. They will be the most important key for further health-care services for patients with cancer and other chronic diseases.

Cancer Care During COVID-19 Era: The Quality of Life of Patients With Thyroid Malignancies

“…The sole fact that one has been diagnosed with “cancer” (regardless of the type and current status) may be largely responsible for much of the fear, anxiety, and feelings of vulnerability revealed by our survey. These results are consistent with other preliminary data ( 28 ), reporting that 71% of German cancer patients felt moderately to highly restricted in their daily life and irritated by the information distributed by the media. However, no data is yet available to compare the feelings of patients with different cancers.…”

Tumor Patients´ Perceived Changes of Specific Attitudes, Perceptions, and Behaviors Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Relation to Reduced Wellbeing

“…During the COVID-19 pandemic several patients required intensive care treatment and were isolated from their relatives. Reports from oncologists as well as ICU staff and patientsŕ elatives underlined that the restrictions (with either no or minimal contact only) were causing mental and spiritual pain on the side of the patients, their relatives, but also on the staffs´side (1,31). When it is true that mentally stabilizing and supportive relations with partners, family and friends are that important, one has to consider possibilities to facilitate contacts with the family.…”

“…The Working Group "Prevention and Integrative Oncology" (PRIO) in the German Cancer Society has initiated a series of flash interviews among the stakeholders during the crisis in order to reflect the moment and to develop strategies to be better prepared for next critical situations. These flash interviews have documented increasing rates of fear and mental stress of tumor patients and their physicians during the crisis in April 2020 (1). Main problems were common anxieties regarding delays, therapy breaks or finishing these treatments.…”

Health-Related Quality of Life and Experiences of Sarcoma Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Recommendations included postponing non-essential procedures, selective conversion of appointments to telemedicine, and prioritising patients for systemic treatment [ 17 ]. Although the impact of modifications on patients with cancer has not been described, it is widely acknowledged that the pandemic has had a negative impact on mental health and wellbeing in the general population [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”