Implementation of a self-administered patient health history questionnaire in a radiation oncology department during COVID-19

Purpose or Objective: Health history questionnaires have been shown to be an accurate and reliable means of collecting clinical information. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented a self-administered health history questionnaire in our radiation oncology department to improve the efficiency of new patient consultations. Materials and Methods: A health history questionnaire was developed and posted to patients prior to their initial new patient clinic appointment. They were requested to fill it in and bring it with them to their appointment. Sections included demographic details, past medical and surgical history, medications, allergies, family and social history, previous radiotherapy, chemotherapy details and performance status. We conducted a paper survey of the first 44 patients to enquire about their experience. Results: All 44 patients participated in the study and completed the questionnaire prior to attending clinic. Median time to complete the questionnaire was 5-15 minutes. The majority of patients (75%;33/44) found the questionnaire “easy” or “very easy” to complete. The questionnaire received positive feedback with 66% (29/44) of patients finding it “helpful” or “very helpful”. Suggestions for improvement included the establishment of a common patient record between General Practice and the hospital system. Comments included that the questionnaire allowed patients time to check background details they were unsure about prior to attending their appointment. Conclusion: Both patients and healthcare providers found the health history questionnaire to be a helpful, easy to use tool. We plan to continue its use in our department to streamline the new patient clinic assessment.

Wildlife trade, pandemics and the law: fighting this year's virus with last year's law

This work describes the interactions between the trade in animals, regulations and the incidence of zoonoses, with emphasis on the current COVID-19 pandemic. The specific topics include the involvement of the World Health Organization, World Organization for Animal Health, CITES and other international organizations;national law assessments on animal health, animal welfare, animal quarantine, CITES implementing laws, customs, food safety, indigenous rights, meat industry, pet trade and wildlife conservation and trade;areas of concern;future opportunities and the next steps to be undertaken. This paper is the follow-up to a brief survey of legislation conducted by Legal Atlas in June 2020 regarding the existing legal approaches to controlling zoonotic disease risk in the context of wildlife trade.