Moving forward with the lessons learned during COVID-19 pandemic - an Australian multi-institutional Radiation Oncology Survey

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the health industry including cancer care in unprecedented ways, leading to rapid adoption of strategies in radiation oncology departments to ensure safe delivery of treatments without compromising the quality of care (1,2). We aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 strategies on patients and staff across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. Methods and Materials A multidisciplinary team from Princess Alexandra Hospital developed a survey to address the impact of the pandemic strategies related to key areas including patient care, quality assurance (QA), staff education, research. Additionally, the survey examined the influence of flexible working arrangements on patient care and staff wellbeing. Result(s) 210 responses from seven institutions collected between November 2020 to April 2021, were analysed. Virtual solutions were adopted (79%, 165/201) for QA activities. Due to disruption in education programmes, respondents (38% 79/210) reported negative impact on junior staff. All institutions recommenced trials/research activities during the survey period. Strong support for ongoing incorporation of virtual platforms for QA (50.8%, 60/118), research (67.4%, 58/86) and education (81.4%, 171/210) purposes. Despite existing stress and burnout support (38.6% 81/210), burnout was captured in 44.8% (94/210) of the respondents. Continued flexible work through remote access was preferred by 86% (131/153). Interestingly, 38% (15/39) of the radiation oncologists reported improved work-life balance during the pandemic following the introduction of remote working (73%, 11/15). Conclusion(s) Despite the pandemic challenges, radiation oncology departments continued to deliver quality patient care. Our study confirms an ongoing challenge within the community related to burnout but also a suggests a potential solution with improved productivity and work-life balance with the introduction of remote working and virtual platforms.