Photobiomodulation for Oral Mucositis - A Microcosting and Budget Impact Analysis from a Brazilian Perspective

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure the costs of preventive and therapeutic protocols of Photobiomodulation (PBM) for oral mucositis (OM) and their budgetary impact on Brazil's Ministry of Health (BMH). Material and Methods: A partial economic analysis was performed to estimate the costs using a bottom-up approach from a social perspective. Monetary values were assigned in Brazilian reais (BRL). The costs of the preventive protocol were calculated for five, 30, and 33 consecutive PBM sessions, depending on the antineoplastic treatment instituted. The costs of the therapeutic protocol were calculated for 5 or 10 sessions. The annual financial and budgetary impact was calculated considering the groups of oncologic patients with a higher risk of development of OM, such as those with head and neck and hematological cancer and pediatric patients. Results: The cost of a PBM session was estimated at BRL 23.75. The financial impact of providing one preventive protocol per year for all oncologic patients would be BRL 14,282,680.00, 0.030% of the estimated budget for hospital and outpatient care of the BMH in 2022. The financial and budgetary impacts of providing one treatment for OM for all patients in one year would be BRL 2,225,630.31 (0.005%, most optimistic scenario) and BRL 4,451,355.63 (0.009%, most pessimistic scenario). Conclusion: The budgetary impact of implementing PBM protocols in the Brazilian Healthcare System is small, even in a pessimistic scenario.

A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru.

Objective: The DoTT (Decreasing Time to Therapy) project aimed to minimize the interval between fever onset and medical interventions for children with febrile neutropenia. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of implementing the DoTT project on the hospital time to antibiotic (TTA) and patient time to arrival (PTA) at the hospital in children with febrile neutropenia admitted to the emergency department. Methods: The DoTT project was implemented at a Peruvian hospital and followed the World Health Organization (WHO) multimodal improvement strategy model. Components included creating a healthcare delivery bundle and antibiotic selection pathways, training users of the bundle and pathways, monitoring patient outcomes and obtaining user feedback, encouraging use of the new system, and promoting the integration of DoTT into the institutional culture. Emergency room providers were trained in the care delivery for children with cancer and fever and taught to use the bundle and pathways. DoTT was promoted via pamphlets and posters, with a view to institutionalizing the concept and disseminating it to other hospital services. Results: Admission data for 129 eligible patients in our registry were analyzed. The TTA and PTA were compared before and after the DoTT intervention. The median TTA was 146 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 97-265 minutes) before the intervention in 99 patients, and 69 minutes (IQR 50-120 minutes) afterwards in 30 patients (p < 0.01). The median PTA was reduced from 1 483 minutes at baseline to 660 minutes after the intervention (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Applying the WHO multimodal improvement strategy model to the care of children with febrile neutropenia arriving at the hospital had a positive impact on the PTA and TTA, thus potentially increasing the survival of these patients.

[Burnout syndrome due to workload in the care for cancer patients]. / Síndrome de quemarse por el trabajo en atención de pacientes oncológicos.

Background: The burnout syndrome (BS) is defined as a response to chronic work stress. It appears as a subjective phenomenon and its main symptoms are the loss of enthusiasm towards work, a feeling of professional failure, feelings of guilt, emotional exhaustion and indifference to patients' problems. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of BS in health personnel who care for cancer patients in a tertiary hospital. Material and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 41 health professionals dedicated to providing direct care to cancer patients, which were selected through an intentional non-probabilistic sampling. The Questionnaire for the Evaluation of the Burnout Syndrome was applied. Results: In the sample studied, BS presented a prevalence of 51.21% at the medium level, 9.75% at the high level and 2.43% at the critical level. Significant differences were found between groups by service and work seniority. Conclusions: A high prevalence of symptoms of BS was found in the study participants, derived mainly from the excessive workload, the type of care provided, as well as experiences related to contact with people living with cancer, the hospital environment, and the type of interpersonal relationships that emerge there. The personnel most affected was that one belonging to Medical Oncology, Psychology, and Social Work.

Introducción: el síndrome de quemarse por el trabajo (SQT) se define como una respuesta al estrés laboral crónico. Aparece como un fenómeno subjetivo y sus principales síntomas son la pérdida de ilusión hacia el trabajo, la sensación de fracaso profesional, sentimientos de culpa, agotamiento emocional e indiferencia hacia los problemas de los pacientes. Objetivo: evaluar la prevalencia del SQT en personal sanitario que atiende pacientes oncológicos en un hospital de tercer nivel. Material y métodos: estudio transversal de tipo descriptivo. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 41 profesionales de la salud que brindan atención directa a pacientes oncológicos y que fueron seleccionados por un muestreo intencional no probabilístico. Se aplicó el Cuestionario para la Evaluación del Síndrome de Quemarse por el Trabajo. Resultados: en la muestra estudiada el SQT presentó una prevalencia del 51.21% en nivel medio, 9.75% en nivel alto y 2.43% en nivel crítico. Hubo diferencias significativas entre grupos por servicio y antigüedad laboral. Conclusiones: se encontró una alta prevalencia de síntomas de SQT en los participantes del estudio, que puede atribuirse a la carga excesiva de trabajo, el tipo de atención brindada, las experiencias relacionadas con el contacto con las personas que viven con cáncer, al ambiente hospitalario, y al tipo de relaciones interpersonales que ahí emergen. Asimismo, el personal más afectado fue el de Oncología Médica, Psicología y Trabajo Social.

Clinical practice, knowledge and attitudes of oncology nurses to the management of gastrointestinal symptoms in cancer chemotherapy and the correlation research of medical and nursing cooperation / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the current situation of clinical practice of cancer chemotherapy-related gastrointestinal symptoms (CGIS) management among oncology nurses in Ningxia, and to explore the correlation between CGIS management and nurses′ knowledge and attitude and medical and nursing cooperation, so as to provide evidence for improving the clinical practice of cancer patients CGIS management among oncology nurses in Ningxia.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. From January 25 to 31, 2021, the general data questionnaire and the questionnaire of clinical practice of CGIS management for cancer patients were used to survey 289 nurses in oncology department in Ningxia.Results:The scores of medical and nursing cooperation, CGIS knowledge, attitude, and CGIS management clinical practice activities of nurses in oncology department were (24.94 ± 3.20), (20.19 ± 3.82), (52.19 ± 6.17) and (129.93 ± 36.33) points, respectively. Among the scores of CGIS management clinical practice activities, gastrointestinal symptoms evaluation dimension scored the lowest, and the highest was CGIS health education dimension. There was a significant positive correlation between the scores of clinical practice of CGIS management of cancer patients and the scores of knowledge and attitude of oncology nurses ( r values were 0.225-0.293, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The clinical practice of cancer patients′CGIS management by oncology nurses needs to be improved, especially the evaluation of cancer patients′CGIS by oncology nurses. Nursing managers should formulate the activity guide of CGIS management clinical practice as soon as possible, strengthen the training of nurses′ relevant knowledge, and provide nurses with appropriate evaluation tools to improve the clinical practice of CGIS management.

Analysis on the current status and influence factors of professional quality of life among nurses in the department of hematology and oncology in tertiary grade A children′s hospitals / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To describe current status and analyze influencing factors of professional quality of life among nurses in the department of hematology and oncology in tertiary grade A children's hospitals, so as to provide some reference for improving the professional quality of life among nurses in the department of pediatric hematological oncology.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. By convenient sampling method, the General Data Scale, Professional Quality of Life Scale and Practice Environment Scale were used to investigate 205 nurses in the department of hematology and oncology in 4 tertiary grade A children's hospitals. Influencing factors of professional quality of life among nurses were analyzed by multiple linear regression.Results:Nurses in the department of pediatric hematological oncology with a low level of compassion satisfaction, high level of burnout and secondary trauma stress accounted for 21.0%(43/205), 26.3%(54/205) and 36.6%(75/205), respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that mental health counseling, family supporting and nurses participating in hospital affairs entered into the multiple regression equation of compassion satisfaction ( t=2.08, 4.21, 2.34, all P<0.05), which explained 60.3% of the total variety. Family supporting, turnover intention, sufficient manpower and materials, age and number of children entered into the multiple regression equation of burnout ( t values were -4.42-2.33, all P<0.05), which explained 55.8% of the total variety. Family supporting, sufficient manpower and materials, age entered into the multiple regression equation of secondary trauma stress ( t=-2.37, -2.22, 2.82, all P<0.05), which explained 15.3% of the total variety. Conclusions:The professional quality of life among nurses in the department of pediatric hematology and oncology needs to be improved. Nursing managers should learn from advanced management concepts, actively improve the nursing practice environment of hematology and oncology department, increase the number of nurses, encourage nurses to participate in hospital affairs, attach importance to emotional support for nurses, and carry out regular mental health counseling, continuously improve the quality of professional life of nurses.

Breast cancer and covid-19: reduction in diagnosis and treatment in a Hospital Unit in Pernambuco / Câncer de mama e covid-19: redução no diagnóstico e tratamento em uma Unidade Hospitalar de Pernambuco

Abstract Objectives: to analyze the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. Method: cross-sectional study, based on secondary data from consultations with a mastologist, ultrasound, mammogram, biopsies, new cases, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, carried out in women for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, from January to December of the years 2019 to 2021. Results: the covid-19 pandemic reduced consultations with mastology (46.3%), ultrasounds (34.8%), mammogram (41.5%), biopsy (49.6%), new cases 45.7 % and surgery 34.6% in 2020 compared to 2019. On the other hand, with the exception of consultations with a mastologist and surgeries, all services where a significant reduction was observed in 2020, increased significantly in 2021 and returned to the same level of production in the pre-pandemic period. The pandemic did not negatively affect the supply of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Conclusions: the findings of this study indicate negative impacts on breast cancer care, due to covid-19, during the first year of the pandemic, especially in consultations with a mastologist and surgery, which continued with low production in 2021. It is reasonable to assume that the reduction observed in procedures may reflect an increase in late diagnoses and a higher mortality rate in the coming years

Resumo Objetivos: analisar o impacto da pandemia da covid-19 nos atendimentos para rastreamento, diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer de mama em Pernambuco, Nordeste do Brasil. Métodos: estudo transversal, com base em dados secundários de consultas com mastologista, ultrassonografia, mamografia, biópsias, casos novos, quimioterapia, radioterapia e cirurgia, realizadas em mulheres para o rastreamento, diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer de mama, de janeiro a dezembro dos anos 2019 a 2021. Resultados: a pandemia da covid-19 reduziu as consultas com a mastologia (46,3%), ultrassonografias (34,8%), mamografia (41,5%), biópsia (49,6%), casos novos 45,7% e cirurgia 34,6% no ano de 2020 em relação ao ano de 2019. Por outro lado, com exceção das consultas com mastologista e cirurgias, todos os serviços onde se observou redução significativa em 2020, aumentaram significativamente em 2021 e voltaram ao patamar de produção do período pré-pandemia. A pandemia não afetou negativamente a oferta de quimioterapia e radioterapia. Conclusões: os achados deste estudo apontam impactos negativos na atenção ao câncer de mama, em decorrência da covid-19, durante o primeiro ano da pandemia, sobretudo nas consultas com mastologista e cirurgia, que continuaram com baixa produção em 2021. É razoável supor que a redução constatada nos procedimentos poderá refletir em um aumento de diagnósticos tardios e maior taxa de mortalidades nos próximos anos.

A multimodal strategy to improve health care for pediatric patients with cancer and fever in Peru / Una estrategia multimodal para mejorar la atención médica de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre en Perú / Uma estratégia multimodal para melhorar a prestação de serviços de saúde para pacientes pediátricos com câncer e febre no Peru

ABSTRACT Objective. The DoTT (Decreasing Time to Therapy) project aimed to minimize the interval between fever onset and medical interventions for children with febrile neutropenia. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of implementing the DoTT project on the hospital time to antibiotic (TTA) and patient time to arrival (PTA) at the hospital in children with febrile neutropenia admitted to the emergency department. Methods. The DoTT project was implemented at a Peruvian hospital and followed the World Health Organization (WHO) multimodal improvement strategy model. Components included creating a healthcare delivery bundle and antibiotic selection pathways, training users of the bundle and pathways, monitoring patient outcomes and obtaining user feedback, encouraging use of the new system, and promoting the integration of DoTT into the institutional culture. Emergency room providers were trained in the care delivery for children with cancer and fever and taught to use the bundle and pathways. DoTT was promoted via pamphlets and posters, with a view to institutionalizing the concept and disseminating it to other hospital services. Results. Admission data for 129 eligible patients in our registry were analyzed. The TTA and PTA were compared before and after the DoTT intervention. The median TTA was 146 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 97-265 minutes) before the intervention in 99 patients, and 69 minutes (IQR 50-120 minutes) afterwards in 30 patients (p < 0.01). The median PTA was reduced from 1 483 minutes at baseline to 660 minutes after the intervention (p < 0.01). Conclusions. Applying the WHO multimodal improvement strategy model to the care of children with febrile neutropenia arriving at the hospital had a positive impact on the PTA and TTA, thus potentially increasing the survival of these patients.

RESUMEN Objetivo. El proyecto DoTT (Disminuyendo el tiempo a la terapia, sigla en inglés) busca minimizar el intervalo entre el inicio de la fiebre y las intervenciones médicas en la población infantil con neutropenia febril. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de la implementación del proyecto DoTT sobre el tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de la fiebre hasta la llegada del paciente (TLP) al hospital y el tiempo transcurrido en el hospital hasta la administración del antibiótico (TAA) en niños con neutropenia febril ingresados en el servicio de urgencias. Métodos. El proyecto DoTT se puso en marcha en un hospital peruano, según el modelo de estrategia multimodal de mejora de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Entre sus componentes se encontraban crear un conjunto de servicios de atención de salud y de algoritmos para la selección de antibióticos; capacitar a los usuarios en la utilización del conjunto de servicios y de los algoritmos; realizar un seguimiento de los resultados de los pacientes y recabar la opinión de los usuarios; fomentar el uso del nuevo sistema; y promover la integración del proyecto en la cultura institucional. Se capacitó al personal de la sala de urgencias en la atención de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y fiebre, y en el uso del conjunto de servicios y de los algoritmos. Se informó sobre el proyecto DoTT mediante folletos y carteles, con vistas a institucionalizar el concepto y difundirlo a otros servicios hospitalarios. Resultados. Se analizaron los datos de ingreso de 129 pacientes de nuestro registro que cumplían con los requisitos. Se compararon el TAA y el TLP al hospital antes y después de la intervención con las pautas del proyecto DoTT. La mediana del TAA fue de 146 minutos (intervalo intercuartílico [II]: 97-265 minutos) en 99 pacientes antes de la intervención y de 69 minutos (II: 50-120 minutos) en 30 pacientes después de ella (p <0,01). La mediana del TLP disminuyó de 1 483 minutos en el momento de la evaluación inicial a 660 minutos después de la intervención (p <0,01). Conclusiones. La aplicación del modelo de estrategia multimodal de mejora de la OMS a la atención de la población infantil con neutropenia febril que acude al hospital tuvo un efecto positivo sobre el TLP y el TAA, lo que podría aumentar la supervivencia de estos pacientes.

RESUMO Objetivo. O projeto DoTT (Redução do Tempo para o Tratamento, na sigla em inglês) tem como objetivo reduzir ao máximo o intervalo entre o início da febre e as intervenções médicas em crianças com neutropenia febril. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito da implementação do projeto DoTT no tempo desde o início da febre até a chegada do paciente (TCP) ao hospital e no tempo no hospital até a administração de antibióticos (TAA) em crianças com neutropenia febril admitidas no departamento de emergência. Métodos. O projeto DoTT foi implementado em um hospital do Peru e seguiu o modelo de estratégia de melhoria multimodal da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Os componentes incluíram a criação de um pacote de prestação de serviços de saúde e de protocolos de seleção de antibióticos, o treinamento de usuários no pacote e nos protocolos de seleção, o monitoramento da evolução dos pacientes e obtenção de feedback dos usuários, o incentivo ao uso do novo sistema e a promoção da integração do DoTT à cultura institucional. Os profissionais do pronto-socorro foram capacitados na prestação de cuidados a crianças com câncer e febre e no uso do pacote e dos protocolos de seleção. O DoTT foi divulgado por meio de panfletos e pôsteres, com o objetivo de institucionalizar o conceito e disseminá-lo para outros serviços hospitalares. Resultados. Foram analisados os dados de internação de 129 pacientes elegíveis em nosso registro. O TAA e o TCP foram comparados antes e depois da intervenção DoTT. O TAA mediano era de 146 minutos (intervalo interquartil: 97-265 minutos) antes da intervenção em 99 pacientes e de 69 minutos (intervalo interquartil: 50-120 minutos) depois da intervenção em 30 pacientes (p < 0,01). O TCP mediano diminuiu de 1483 minutos na linha de base para 660 minutos após a intervenção (p < 0,01). Conclusão. A aplicação do modelo de estratégia multimodal de melhoria da OMS ao atendimento de crianças com neutropenia febril que chegam ao hospital teve um impacto positivo no TCP e no TAA, potencialmente aumentando a sobrevida desses pacientes.

Respuesta en la atención del cáncer durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en Colombia: gestión en clínicas y hospitales / Cancer Care Response During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Colombia: Management in Clinics and Hospitals / Resposta no atendimento ao câncer durante a pandemia de COVID-19 na Colômbia: gestão em clínicas e hospitais

Introducción. El principal reto en la atención del cáncer durante la pandemia causada por la COVID-19 fue asegurar la oportunidad en el diagnóstico y tratamiento a cerca de 100,000 casos nuevos de cáncer al año en Colombia. El objetivo de esta investigación fue conocer la respuesta de las Instituciones Prestadoras de Servicios de Salud sobre su gestión en los servicios para la atención de la patología oncológica en el primer semestre del año 2020. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo y transversal tipo encuesta sobre la caracterización de los pacientes oncológicos con COVID-19, la capacidad instalada, la atención integral del cáncer, la implementación de telesalud/telemedicina y el apoyo institucional durante la pandemia. Participaron veinticinco prestadores con servicio de cirugía oncológica y quimioterapia o radioterapia. Resultados. El 56% de prestadores reportó pacientes oncológicos con COVID-19. Todos reportaron cambios de gestión en la capacidad resolutiva ante la pandemia: el 76% acondicionó infraestructura y dispositivos, el 84% adoptó la telesalud/telemedicina y el 92% recibió asistencia en planes de acción. El 48% de las instituciones prestadoras evidenciaron una disminución en el tamizaje de cáncer. Discusión. Este estudio evidencia que la emergencia de la pandemia obligó a apresurar los esfuerzos de infraestructura y recursos en las entidades oncológicas de Colombia. Los resultados obtenidos en la disminución de tamización de cáncer a nivel nacional se equiparán con los datos reportados por distintos países, incluyendo la región de las Américas. Conclusión. Los hallazgos evidencian la necesidad de mejorar la capacidad de respuesta del sistema de salud en escenarios de emergencia sanitaria que eviten el retraso en la atención y las acciones en salud pública del cáncer.

Introduction. The main challenge in cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic was to ensure the timelines of diagnosis and treatment of nearly 100,000 new cancer cases per year in Colombia. The objective of this research was to know the response of the Health Service Provider Institutions on their management of services for cancer care in the first semester of the year 2020. Methodology. Descriptive, cross-sectional, survey-type study on the characterization of cancer patients with COVID-19, installed capacity, comprehensive cancer care, telehealth/telemedicine implementation, and institutional support during the pandemic. Twenty-five providers with oncological surgery and chemotherapy or radiotherapy services participated. Results. Fifty-six percent of providers reported cancer patients with COVID-19. Everyone reported management changes in pandemic response capacity: 76% upgraded infrastructure and devices, 84% adopted telehealth/telemedicine and 92% received assistance in action plans. Forty-eight percent of the provider institutions showed a decrease in cancer screening. Discussion. This study shows that the emergency of the pandemic forced to rush the efforts of infrastructure and resources in the oncological entities of Colombia. The results obtained in the decrease of cancer screening nationally will be equated with the data reported by different countries, including the Americas region. Conclusion. The findings show the need to improve the response capacity of the health care system in health emergency scenarios to avoid delays in cancer care and public health actions.

Introdução. O principal desafio no tratamento do câncer durante a pandemia causada pelo COVID-19 foi garantir oportunidade no diagnóstico e tratamento de quase 100,000 novos casos de câncer por ano na Colômbia. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi conhecer a resposta das Instituições Prestadoras de Serviços de Saúde sobre sua gestão nos serviços para atendimento de patologia oncológica no primeiro semestre do ano de 2020. Metodologia. Estudo descritivo e transversal do tipo enquete sobre caracterização de pacientes oncológicos com COVID-19, capacidade instalada, atenção integral ao câncer, implantação de telessaúde/telemedicina e apoio institucional durante a pandemia. Participaram vinte e cinco prestadores de serviços de cirurgia oncológica e quimioterapia ou radioterapia. Resultados. 56% dos provedores relataram pacientes oncológicos com COVID-19. Todos relataram mudanças de gestão na capacidade de resposta diante da pandemia: 76% adaptaram infraestrutura e dispositivos, 84% adotaram telessaúde/telemedicina e 92% receberam assistência em planos de ação. 48% das instituições prestadoras apresentaram uma diminuição no rastreamento do câncer. Discussão. Este estudo mostra que a emergência da pandemia obrigou a acelerar os esforços de infraestrutura e recursos nas entidades oncológicas da Colômbia. Os resultados obtidos na redução do rastreamento do câncer em nível nacional são equivalentes com os dados relatados por diferentes países, incluindo a região das Américas. Conclusão. Os achados mostram a necessidade de melhorar a capacidade de resposta do sistema de saúde em cenários de emergência sanitária que evitem atrasos no atendimento e nas ações de saúde pública para o câncer.

Smoking cessation knowledge and perceptions of cancer care providers at six Latin American cancer institutions.

Objective: To assess the characteristics, self-reported tobacco use, knowledge, and perceptions about smoking cessation among cancer care providers (CCPs), as well as perceived barriers to inform interventions that can potentially improve quitting rates and the prognosis of cancer patients in Latin America. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 996 CCPs in six cancer institutions located in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. An online survey consisting of 28 close-ended questions adapted from the 2012 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer survey and the Global Adult Tobacco Survey was administered. Results: The majority of CCPs, ranging from 86.1% in Mexico to 95.9% in Brazil, agreed or strongly agreed that smoking cessation should be integrated into cancer treatment. However, inadequate training on smoking cessation was reported by 66.9%, 69.4%, 70.4%, 72.9%, 85.8%, and 86.4% in Mexico, Colombia (Floridablanca), Argentina, Peru, Brazil, and Colombia (Medellín), respectively, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Moreover, current cigarette smoking prevalence among CCPs was 2.5% in Brazil, 4.6% in Peru, 6.3% in Colombia (Floridablanca), 10.4% in Colombia (Medellín), 11.5% in Mexico, and 15.1% in Argentina, showing a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Efforts in Latin America should be geared toward assisting CCPs with their quitting efforts and training in smoking cessation practices aimed at achieving a better prognosis and improving cancer patients' quality of life.

Delivery of cancer care via an outpatient telephone support line: a cross-sectional study of oncology nursing perspectives on quality and challenges.

RATIONALE: Patient support lines (PSLs) assist in triaging clinical problems, addressing patient queries, and navigating a complex multi-disciplinary oncology team. While providing support and training to the nursing staff who operate these lines is key, there is limited data on their experience and feedback. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of oncology nurses' (ONs') perspectives on the provision of care via PSLs at a tertiary referral cancer center via an anonymous, descriptive survey. Measures collected included nursing and patient characteristics, nature of questions addressed, perceived patient and nursing satisfaction with the service, common challenges faced, and initiatives to improve the patient and nursing experience. The survey was delivered online, with electronic data collection, and analysis is reported descriptively. RESULTS: Seventy-one percent (30/42) of eligible ONs responded to the survey. The most common disease site, stage, and symptom addressed by PSLs were breast cancer, metastatic disease, and pain, respectively. The most common reported issue was treatment-related toxicity (96.7%, 29/30). Sixty-seven percent (20/30) of respondents were satisfied with the care provided by the service; however, many areas for potential improvement were identified. Fifty-nine percent (17/29) of respondents recommended redefining PSLs' responsibilities for improved use, with 75% (6/8) ONs identifying high call volumes due to inappropriate questions as a barrier to care. Sixty percent (18/30) of ONs reported having hospital-specific management plans for common issues would improve the care provided by the PSL. CONCLUSION: Despite high rates of satisfaction with the care provided by the PSL, our study identified several important areas for improvement which we feel warrant further investigation.

Conocimiento de enfermeras en la administración y regulación de fármacos de alta vigilancia en oncología / Knowledge of nurses in the administration and regulation of high alert medications in oncology

Objetivo: Identificar el conocimiento de las enfermeras sobre la administración y regulación de medicamentos de alta vigilancia en un hospital oncológico de Brasil. Método: Investigación transversal con abordaje cuantitativo realizada de septiembre a octubre de 2021, en cinco unidades de hospitalización. Participaron 26 enfermeras que respondieron Nurses’ knowledge of high alert medications. Los datos fueron analizados mediante estadística descriptiva y preguntas con puntuaciones ≥70% representaron conocimientos satisfactorios. Resultados: La mayoría de las enfermeras informaron no haber participado en la capacitación para la administración de medicamentos de alta vigilancia (57,7%; n=15). El conocimiento promedio general fue del 79,9%. Se observó que el conocimiento promedio para la administración de estos fármacos fue de 80,4%, y ocho preguntas obtuvieron ≥ puntuación de 70% de respuestas correctas, especialmente las relacionadas con la tasa de infusión, la vía de administración y dilución de soluciones concentradas. En cuanto a la regulación, el conocimiento promedio fue de 78,6%, y la pregunta "Si el paciente puede tolerar, se indica que el cloruro de potasio se administra por vía oral en lugar de intravenosa" obtuvo la mayor tasa de error (50%), seguida del ítem "Ampolla" o "vial" para la medición de la dosis, en lugar de "mg" o "g" con un 46,2% de respuestas incorrectas. Conclusión: El conocimiento de las enfermeras sobre el uso y regulación de los fármacos de alta vigilancia fue satisfactorio, aunque existe la necesidad de mejorarlo para promover la atención segura en el contexto oncológico. (AU)

Objective: To identify the knowledge of nurses about the administration and regulation of high surveillance drugs in an oncology hospital in Brazil. Method: Cross-sectional research with quantitative approach carried out from September to October 2021, in five hospitalization units. The participants were 26 nurses who answered Nurses’ knowledge of high alert medications. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and questions with scores ≥70% represented satisfactory knowledge. Results: Most nurses reported not having participated in training for the administration of high surveillance medications (57.7%; n=15). The overall average knowledge was 79.9%. It was observed that the average knowledge for administration of these drugs was 80.4%, and eight questions obtained a score ≥ 70% of correct answers, especially those related to the speed of infusion, the route of administration and dilution of concentrated solutions. Regarding regulation, the average knowledge was 78.6%, and the question “If the patient can tolerate, it is indicated that potassium chloride is administered orally instead of intravenously” obtained the highest error rate (50%), followed by the item “Use “Ampoule” or “vial” for dosage measurement, instead of “mg” or “g” with 46.2% incorrect answers. Conclusion: Nurses’ knowledge about the use and regulation of high surveillance drugs was satisfactory, although there is a need to improve it to promote safe care in the oncological context. (AU)

Incorporating psychosocial care into routine oncological care: Insights into challenges and strategies from certified cancer centers' audit data.

PURPOSE: Provision of psychosocial care is obligatory in cancer centers certified in accordance with the criteria of the German Cancer Society, but the extent to which it is utilized differs greatly between centers. Anomalous utilization percentages are discussed during certification audits. This analysis aims to describe (1) how certified centers explain psychosocial care utilization percentages during audits and (2) the measures they then plan for improving psychosocial care utilization. The aim of the analysis is to help understand patterns of psychosocial care utilization in oncology and reduce potential disparities by describing the challenges that cancer centers face and their strategies for integrating psychosocial care into routine oncological care. METHODS: The content of free-text comments regarding psychosocial utilization percentages by certified centers during certification audits in 2019 was analyzed. In total, 178 comments were analyzed from 116 prostate, colorectal, and breast cancer centers in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Luxembourg. RESULTS: The explanations for utilization percentages most often mentioned involved patients' levels of interest and need, outpatient care, staff shortages, inclusion of psychosocial care in other processes in the center, documentation issues, and factors regarding different legal regulations in countries outside Germany. The measures most often planned for improving psychosocial care utilization involved adjusting work processes, increasing staff resources, optimizing documentation, and establishing quality-assurance groups/task forces. CONCLUSION: This exploratory analysis shows that the challenges and strategies involved in incorporating psychosocial care into routine oncological care are diverse. Further research should identify process-level strategies that can promote the integration of psychosocial care.

Perception of Pediatric Oncological Patients and Their Parents/Guardians about a Hospital Oral Health Program: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: The oral healthcare offered to pediatric cancer patients at the hospital level must include educational and preventive strategies based on dialogical and welcoming professional attitudes. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the perception of pediatric cancer patients and their parents/guardians about an educational and preventive oral healthcare program implemented in a reference hospital for cancer treatment. METHODS: A qualitative follow-up investigation was conducted in which we evaluated the perception of pediatric cancer patients and their parents/guardians regarding an educational and preventive oral health program (OHEPP). The participants were 27 children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment and their parents/guardians, and the assessment was carried out at 15 and 30 days after beginning the program through semi-structured interviews. The program used audiovisual resources, storytelling and playful instruments for the oral health education of patients and parents/guardians. The interviews were then transcribed and the Discourse of the Collective Speech (DCS) technique was performed for data analysis. RESULTS: Patients and parents/guardians reported improvement in oral hygiene habits and conditions. Patients reported greater enthusiasm for oral care and highlighted the recreational aspect of the program. Parents/guardians reported being more clear about oral changes and paying attention to the appearance of comorbidities resulting from anticancer treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that implementation of the oral health program favored communication between health professionals, patients and their parents/guardians, expanding knowledge and generating behavior change in oral healthcare.

Smoking cessation knowledge and perceptions of cancer care providers at six Latin American cancer institutions / Conocimientos e impresiones acerca de dejar de fumar entre prestadores de atención a pacientes con cáncer de seis instituciones oncológicas de América Latina / Conhecimento e percepções de profissionais de atenção oncológica sobre o abandono do tabagismo em seis instituições de oncologia da América Latina

ABSTRACT Objective. To assess the characteristics, self-reported tobacco use, knowledge, and perceptions about smoking cessation among cancer care providers (CCPs), as well as perceived barriers to inform interventions that can potentially improve quitting rates and the prognosis of cancer patients in Latin America. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 996 CCPs in six cancer institutions located in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. An online survey consisting of 28 close-ended questions adapted from the 2012 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer survey and the Global Adult Tobacco Survey was administered. Results. The majority of CCPs, ranging from 86.1% in Mexico to 95.9% in Brazil, agreed or strongly agreed that smoking cessation should be integrated into cancer treatment. However, inadequate training on smoking cessation was reported by 66.9%, 69.4%, 70.4%, 72.9%, 85.8%, and 86.4% in Mexico, Colombia (Floridablanca), Argentina, Peru, Brazil, and Colombia (Medellín), respectively, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Moreover, current cigarette smoking prevalence among CCPs was 2.5% in Brazil, 4.6% in Peru, 6.3% in Colombia (Floridablanca), 10.4% in Colombia (Medellín), 11.5% in Mexico, and 15.1% in Argentina, showing a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Efforts in Latin America should be geared toward assisting CCPs with their quitting efforts and training in smoking cessation practices aimed at achieving a better prognosis and improving cancer patients' quality of life.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar entre los prestadores de atención a pacientes con cáncer las características, el consumo de tabaco referido por la misma persona, sus conocimientos y sus impresiones acerca de dejar de fumar, así como los obstáculos percibidos, para sustentar las intervenciones que puedan mejorar las tasas de abandono del consumo y el pronóstico de los pacientes con cáncer en América Latina. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal con 996 prestadores de atención oncológica en seis instituciones oncológicas ubicadas en Argentina, Brasil, Colombia, México y Perú. Se realizó una encuesta en línea con 28 preguntas cerradas adaptadas de la encuesta de la Asociación Internacional para el Estudio del Cáncer de Pulmón del 2012 y la Encuesta Mundial de Tabaquismo en Adultos. Resultados. La mayoría de los prestadores de atención oncológica, del 86,1% en México al 95,9% en Brasil, estuvieron de acuerdo o muy de acuerdo con que el abandono del tabaco debería integrarse en el tratamiento del cáncer. Sin embargo, 66,9%, 69,4%, 70,4%, 72,9%, 85,8% y 86,4% en México, Colombia (Floridablanca), Argentina, Perú, Brasil y Colombia (Medellín), respectivamente, dieron parte de una formación inadecuada en cuanto al abandono del tabaco, y esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,001). Además, la prevalencia actual del consumo de tabaco entre los proveedores de atención oncológica fue de 2,5% en Brasil, 4,6% en Perú, 6,3% en Colombia (Floridablanca), 10,4 % en Colombia (Medellín), 11,5% en México y 15,1% en Argentina, y mostró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,001). Conclusiones. En América Latina, deben canalizarse los esfuerzos para ayudar a los prestadores de atención oncológica a abandonar el consumo de tabaco y apoyarlos en la capacitación acerca de las prácticas de abandono del tabaco dirigidas a lograr un pronóstico más favorable y mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes con cáncer.

RESUMO Objetivo. Avaliar as características, o uso autorrelatado de tabaco, o conhecimento e as percepções sobre o abandono do tabagismo entre os profissionais da área de oncologia (PAO), bem como as barreiras percebidas, a fim de guiar intervenções que possam melhorar as taxas de abandono e o prognóstico de pacientes com câncer na América Latina. Métodos. Realizou-se um estudo transversal com 996 PAO em seis instituições de oncologia localizadas na Argentina, no Brasil, na Colômbia, no México e no Peru. Administrou-se uma pesquisa on-line com 28 perguntas fechadas, adaptadas do levantamento realizado em 2012 pela Associação Internacional para o Estudo do Câncer de Pulmão e do Global Adult Tobacco Survey (Levantamento Global do Tabagismo em Adultos). Resultados. A maioria dos PAO, variando de 86,1% (no México) a 95,9% (no Brasil), concordou parcial ou totalmente com a necessidade de integrar o abandono do tabagismo ao tratamento do câncer. Entretanto, o treinamento inadequado sobre o abandono do tabagismo foi relatado por 66,9% no México, 69,4% na Colômbia (Floridablanca), 70,4% na Argentina, 72,9% no Peru, 85,8% no Brasil e 86,4% na Colômbia (Medellín), e essa diferença foi estatisticamente significante (p < 0,001). Além disso, a prevalência atual de consumo de cigarro entre os PAO foi de 2,5% no Brasil, 4,6% no Peru, 6,3% na Colômbia (Floridablanca), 10,4% na Colômbia (Medellín), 11,5% no México, e 15,1% na Argentina, mostrando uma diferença estatisticamente significante (p < 0,001). Conclusões. Os esforços na América Latina devem ser direcionados para o auxílio aos PAO em seus esforços de abandonar o tabagismo e para o treinamento sobre métodos para abandono do tabagismo, com o objetivo de melhorar o prognóstico e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes com câncer.

Impact of COVID-19 on Oral Healthcare for Oncopediatric Patients: The Setting in a Reference Hospital in Northeast Brazil

Abstract Objective: To describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental care provided to pediatric cancer patients assisted in a referral hospital. Material and Methods: This is an observational, retrospective study based on secondary data extracted from worksheets of dental procedures for patients aged between 0 and 19 years assisted in the pediatric oncology sector of a hospital in João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. Dental procedures performed by the interdisciplinary team of researchers from August 2018 to February 2020 (19 months prior to the pandemic) and from April 2020 to October 2021 (19 months during the pandemic) were totaled and compared. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Results: There was a reduction of 80.2% in dental interventions implemented in the sector during the pandemic, with the number of procedures decreasing from 6,210 (the period before the pandemic) to 1,229 (during the pandemic). Most procedures in both periods were performed for patients assisted in beds, for whom there was a reduction of care provided for 81.2% from 5,275 to 994 procedures. Dental procedures in the outpatient clinic decreased by 74.9%, from 935 to 235. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted dental care provided to pediatric oncology patients by restricting dental procedures to emergency demands, compromising performance prevention and health promotion actions.

Death in the Hospital: The Witnessing of the Patient with Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to know the witnessing of death from the perspective of the cancer patient in the hospital environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a qualitative and descriptive study, which was carried out in a cancer hospital in southern Brazil, with 27 cancer patients, through semi-structured interview, after the institutional research ethics committee approval. For categorisation and data analysis, Iramuteq software and Creswell content analysis were used. RESULTS: Six classes emerged from the Iramuteq software and four categories were formed: (1) The reflection of the other itself; (2) feelings and emotions aroused; (3) the witnessing of a peaceful death and (4) death as a habitual event. CONCLUSION: Patients felt sad and distressed, and some perceived death as something natural, often necessary for the relief of suffering. They put themselves in the place of the dying patient and their family members, imagining their loved ones and the suffering they would experience. Participants considered peaceful deaths to be good, unlike those in which patients had some kind of discomfort, described as horrible, distressing, sad and bad.

Riesgos psicosociales y calidad de vida en trabajadores de servicios oncológicos públicos / Psychosocial risks and quality of life among workers of public oncology services / Riscos psicossociais e qualidade de vida em trabalhadores de serviços públicos de oncologia

RESUMEN Introducción El trabajo desempeñado por personal de centros oncológicos genera impacto sobre ellos debido a situaciones a las que se ven expuestos, esto puede trascender en su calidad de vida. Objetivo Determinar la relación entre las variables biodemográficas, laborales, riesgos psicosociales, carga mental de trabajo y calidad de vida relacionada con salud en trabajadores de servicios oncológicos. Métodos Estudio correlacional en 113 trabajadores de servicios oncológicos de cuatro hospitales chilenos. Cuestionarios aplicados: Variables biodemográficas y laborales, Calidad de Vida Relacionada con Salud SF-36, Evaluación de riesgos psicosociales SUSESO-ISTAS 21 y Escala subjetiva de carga mental de trabajo. Resultados Variables sexo y turnos laborales presentaron correlación significativa con algún componente de la calidad de vida (p <0.05). Consulta médica (p <0.01), licencia médica (p <0.01) y problema de salud diagnosticado (p <0.05) manifestaron bajos niveles de calidad de vida. Se encontró correlación negativa tanto en los riesgos psicosociales con calidad de vida (p <0.05) como entre la carga mental de trabajo global con el componente de salud mental (p <0.01). Discusión Los trabajadores en centros oncológicos están expuestos a un mayor nivel de riesgo por las condiciones de la organización del trabajo, esto representan un riesgo a su salud. Conclusión Existe asociación entre algunas variables biodemográficas y laborales, riesgos psicosociales y carga mental con la calidad de vida relacionada con salud en trabajadores de servicios de oncología de hospitales públicos chilenos. Las organizaciones deberían implementar estrategias que permitan detectar y prevenir la exposición a riesgos psicosociales y sobrecarga mental de trabajo.

ABSTRACT Introduction The activities which workers carry out in centers of oncology can have importants impacts on their quality of life. Objective To determine the associations among biodemographical and work-related variables, psychosocial risks, work-related mental load, and health-related quality of life among workers of services of oncology. Methods This is a correlational study with 113 workers of oncology services in 4 hospitals in Chile. The questionnaires used were: Biodemographical and work-related variables, Health-Related Quality of Life SF-36, Assessment of psychosocial risks SUSESO-ISTAS 21, and the Subjective scale of mental load from work. Results The variables sex and working shifts showed a significant correlation with some components of quality of life (p <0.05), medical consultation (p <0.01), medial license (p <0.01), and diagnosed health problems (p <0.05) showed low levels in quality of life. A negative correlation was found in psychosocial risks with quality of life (p <0.05), and mental load and mental health (p <0.01). Discussion Workers in centers of oncology have a higher health risk as a result of the conditions of their jobs. Conclusion There are associations among some biodemographical and work-related variables, psychosocial risks, mental load, and health-related quality of life, in terms of health among workers in services of oncology in public hospitals of Chile. Organizations should implement strategies aimed at detecting and preventing exposure to psychosocial risks and mental overload.

RESUMO Introdução O trabalho realizado pelos funcionários do centro oncológico gera impacto neles devido às situações a que estão expostos, isso pode transcender na sua qualidade de vida. Objetivo Determinar a relação entre variáveis biodemográficas, laborais, riscos psicossociais, carga mental de trabalho e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em trabalhadores de serviços de oncologia. Métodos Estudo correlacional em 113 trabalhadores de serviços oncológicos de quatro hospitais chilenos. Questionários aplicados: Variáveis biodemográficas e laborais, Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde SF-36, Avaliação de riscos psicossociais SUSESO-ISTAS 21 e Escala de carga mental subjetiva. Resultados As variáveis sexo e turnos de trabalho apresentaram correlação significativa com algum componente da qualidade de vida (p <0.05). Consulta médica (p <0.01), licença médica (p <0.01) e problema de saúde diagnosticado (p <0.05) apresentaram baixos níveis de qualidade de vida. Foi encontrada correlação negativa tanto nos riscos psicossociais com a qualidade de vida (p <0.05) quanto entre a carga de trabalho mental geral e o componente de saúde mental (p <0.01). Discussão Os trabalhadores dos centros oncológicos estão expostos a um maior nível de risco devido às condições de organização do trabalho, o que representa um risco para a sua saúde. Conclusão Existe associação entre algumas variáveis biodemográficas e laborais, riscos psicossociais e carga de trabalho mental com a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em trabalhadores de serviços de oncologia de hospitais públicos chilenos. As organizações devem implementar estratégias para detectar e prevenir a exposição a riscos psicossociais e sobrecarga mental de trabalho.

Caracterización clínica, ultrasonográfica e histológica del cáncer de tiroides en Pinar del Río / Clinical, ultrasonographic and histological characterization of the cancer of thyroid in Pinar del Río

RESUMEN Fundamento : el carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides representa la neoplasia maligna más frecuente en endocrinología, su presentación clínica y diagnóstico se han modificado gracias a la disponibilidad de herramientas tales como el ultrasonido tiroideo y la biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina. Objetivo : caracterizar de forma clínica ultrasonográfica e histológica el cáncer de tiroides. Métodos : se realizó un estudio transversal y descriptivo en pacientes atendidos en el Hospital General Docente Abel Santamaría Cuadrado de la provincia Pinar del Río desde el 1ro enero de 2016 hasta el 31 diciembre de 2019. El universo de estudio quedó constituido por 119 pacientes y la muestra por 91 seleccionados a través de un muestreo probabilístico aleatorio simple. Los datos se obtuvieron de las historias clínicas. Para el análisis de la información se utilizó el sistema estadístico Statistical Package for Social Sciences, se confeccionó una base de datos en Excel, se aplicó análisis univariado de carácter descriptivo, se utilizaron estadígrafos descriptivos como la distribución de frecuencias absoluta y relativa. Se utilizó la prueba no paramétrica Chi cuadrado para datos cualitativos con un nivel de significación del 95 % (p<0,05). Resultados : en la serie predominó el sexo femenino y grupo etareo de 50-59 años de edad, los afectados de piel blanca, sobrepesos y obesos. El bocio, las microcalcificaciones y los bordes mal definidos fueron los factores de riesgo asociados a la malignidad con significación estadística. El carcinoma papilar tiroideo resultó el más común. Conclusiones : el diagnóstico del carcinoma tiroideo es complejo y su conducta tiene un enfoque multidisciplinario, existen elementos clínicos-epidemiológicos, imagenológicos e histológicos para diagnosticar el mismo.

ABSTRACT Background : differentiated thyroid carcinoma represents the most frequent malignant neoplasm in endocrinology; its clinical presentation and diagnosis have been modified thanks to the availability of tools such as thyroid ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy. Objective : to characterize the thyroid cancer in a clinically ultrasound-graphical and histological way. Methods : a cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out in patients treated in the Oncology and Endocrinology services of the Abel Santamaría Cuadrado Hospital in the Pinar del Río province in the period from January 2016 to December 2019. The universe of the study consisted of 119 patients and the sample of 91 selected through a simple random probability sampling. Data were obtained from medical records. For the information analysis, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used, an Excel database was created, a descriptive univariate analysis was applied, and descriptive statistics such as the absolute and relative frequency distribution were used. The non-parametric Chi square test was used for qualitative data with a significance level of 95% (p <0.05). Results : in the series predominated the female sex and etareo-group of 50 t 59 year of age, those with white skin, overweight and obese predominated in the series. The goiter, micro-calcifications, and poorly defined borders were the risk factors most associated with malignancy. Papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most common. Conclusions : the diagnosis of the thyroid carcinoma is complex and its conduct has a multidisciplinary approach, there are clinical-epidemiological, imaging and histological elements to diagnose thyroid cancer.

Evaluation of uro-oncological surgical treatment during the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic in a Brazilian tertiary oncology institution, the new world epicenter

ABSTRACT Introduction: The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has dramatic effects on individuals and health care systems. In our institute, a tertiary oncologic public hospital with high surgical volume, we prioritize maintaining cancer treatment as well as possible. The aim of this study is to evaluate if uro-oncological surgeries at pandemic are safe. Materials and Methods: We evaluated patients who underwent uro-oncological procedures. Epidemiological data, information on COVID-19 infection related to surgery and clinical characteristics of non-survival operative patients with COVID-19 infections were analyzed. Results: From 213 patients analyzed, Covid-19 symptoms were noticed in 8 patients at preoperative process or at hospital admission postponing operation; 161 patients were submitted to elective surgery and 44 to emergency surgery. From patients submitted to elective surgeries, we had 1 patient with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 (0,6%), with mild symptoms and quick discharge. From the urgencies group, we had 6(13%) patients tested positive; 5 were taken to ICU with 4 deaths. Conclusion: Elective uro-oncological procedures at the COVID-19 epidemic period in a COVID-19-free Institute are safe, and patients who need urgent procedures, with a long period of hospitalization, need special care to avoid COVID-19 infection and its outcomes.

Evaluation of uro-oncological surgical treatment during the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic in a Brazilian tertiary oncology institution, the new world epicenter.

INTRODUCTION: The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has dramatic effects on individuals and health care systems. In our institute, a tertiary oncologic public hospital with high surgical volume, we prioritize maintaining cancer treatment as well as possible. The aim of this study is to evaluate if uro-oncological surgeries at pandemic are safe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated patients who underwent uro-oncological procedures. Epidemiological data, information on COVID-19 infection related to surgery and clinical characteristics of non-survival operative patients with COVID-19 infections were analyzed. RESULTS: From 213 patients analyzed, Covid-19 symptoms were noticed in 8 patients at preoperative process or at hospital admission postponing operation; 161 patients were submitted to elective surgery and 44 to emergency surgery. From patients submitted to elective surgeries, we had 1 patient with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 (0,6%), with mild symptoms and quick discharge. From the urgencies group, we had 6(13%)patients tested positive; 5 were taken to ICU with 4 deaths. CONCLUSION: Elective uro-oncological procedures at the COVID-19 epidemic period in a COVID-19-free Institute are safe, and patients who need urgent procedures, with a long period of hospitalization, need special care to avoid COVID-19 infection and its outcomes.