JCO global oncology
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JCO global oncology · May 2021
Impact of COVID-19 on Outcomes for Patients With Cervical Cancer in India.
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented demands on the health system. This led to delays in the initiation and completion of cancer treatment. We assessed the long-term health consequences because of the delay in diagnosis and treatment for cervical cancer due to COVID-19 in India. ⋯ Delays in diagnosis and treatment are likely to lead to more cervical cancer deaths as compared to COVID-19 mortality averted among the patients with cervical cancer. Health systems must reorganize in terms of priority setting for provision of care, starting with prioritizing the treatment of patients with early-stage cervical cancer, increasing use of teleconsultation, and strengthening the role of primary care physicians in provision of cancer care.
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The speed and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting the entire world for the past several months. OncoAlert is a social media network made up of more than 140 oncology stakeholders: oncologists (medical, radiation, and surgical), oncology nurses, and patient advocates who share the mission of fighting cancer by means of education and dissemination of information. As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, OncoAlert hosted The Round Table Discussions. We have documented this effort along with further discussion about the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences on patients living with cancer to disseminate this information to our colleagues worldwide.
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JCO global oncology · Feb 2021
Using Virtual Learning to Build Pediatric Palliative Care Capacity in South Asia: Experiences of Implementing a Teleteaching and Mentorship Program (Project ECHO).
Palliative care is an important component of pediatric cancer treatment that provides holistic support for children and their families. In low- and middle-income countries, where 98% of the children needing palliative care reside, access to palliative care services is often very limited. Training opportunities for healthcare professionals are essential to improve access to palliative care in these settings. ⋯ Project ECHO is a novel model of building PPC capacity that is suitable for resource-limited settings. Key modifications to the Project ECHO model include a course-specific leadership team, developing learning plans to address the specific learning needs of participants, focusing on ensuring learner participation during sessions, and using social media and electronic resources to create opportunities for further learning outside of ECHO sessions. These adaptations may improve the efficacy of Project ECHO and others using virtual learning programs in resource-limited settings.
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JCO global oncology · Oct 2020
Understanding the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients With Cancer, Their Caregivers, and Health Care Workers in Singapore.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a global impact, and Singapore has seen 33,000 confirmed cases. Patients with cancer, their caregivers, and health care workers (HCWs) need to balance the challenges associated with COVID-19 while ensuring that cancer care is not compromised. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological effect of COVID-19 on these groups and the prevalence of burnout among HCWs. ⋯ Fears and anxiety related to COVID-19 are high. Burnout among HCWs is similar to rates reported prepandemic. An individualized approach to target the specific fears of each group will be crucial to maintain the well-being of these vulnerable groups and prevent burnout of HCWs.