Adaptability and Resilience of Academic Radiation Oncology Personnel and Procedures during COVID-19 Pandemic.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 18(10)2021 May 12.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34065801
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
A comprehensive response to the unprecedented SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) challenges for public health and its impact on radiation oncology patients and personnel for resilience and adaptability is presented.METHODS:
The general recommendations included working remotely when feasible, implementation of screening/safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines, social distancing, regular cleaning of treatment environment, and testing for high-risk patients/procedures. All teaching conferences, tumor boards, and weekly chart rounds were conducted using a virtual platform. Additionally, specific recommendations were given to each section to ensure proper patient treatments. The impact of these measures, especially adaptability and resilience, were evaluated through specific questionnaire surveys.RESULTS:
These comprehensive COVID-19-related measures resulted in most staff expressing a consistent level of satisfaction in regard to personal safety, maintaining a safe work environment, continuing quality patient care, and continuing educational activities during the pandemic. There was a significant reduction in patient treatments and on-site patient visits with an appreciable increase in the number of telemedicine e-visits.CONCLUSIONS:
Survey results demonstrated substantial adaptability and resilience, including in the rapid recovery of departmental activities during the reactivation phase. In the event of a future public health emergency, the measures implemented may be adopted with good outcomes by radiation oncology departments across the globe.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Radioterapia (Especialidade)
/
COVID-19
Tipo de estudo:
Guideline
/
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article