Oncology Treatments during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Israel: The ONCOR Study

Galit Hirsh-Yechezkel, Angela Chetrit, Sivan Ben Avraham, Abed Agbarya, Alexander Yakobson, Noam Asna, Gil Bar-Sela, Irit Ben-Aharon, Noa Efrat Ben-Baruch, Raanan Berger, Ronen Brenner, Maya Gottfried, Shani Paluch-Shimon, Raphael Pfeffer, Aran Popovtzer, Larisa Ryvo, Valeriya Semenisty, Ayelet Shai, Katerina Shulman, Jamal ZidanIdo Wolf

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The increased susceptibility of cancer patients to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infections and complications calls for special precautions while treating cancer patients during COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, oncology departments have had to implement a wide array of prevention measures. Objectives: To address issues associated with cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess the implementation of measures aimed at containment of COVID-19 diffusion while allowing continuation of quality cancer care. Methods: A national survey among oncology departments in Israel was conducted between 12 April 2020 and 14 April 2020. Eighteen heads of hospital-based oncology departments completed a self-report questionnaire regarding their institute's preparedness for treatment of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: In this national survey, prevention measures against COVID-19 spread were taken prior to patients' arrival and at arrival or while staying in the departments. Most participants (78-89%) reported using a quick triage of patients and caregivers prior to their entrance to the oncology units, limiting the entrance of caregivers, and reducing unnecessary visits to the clinic. Switching to oral therapies rather than intravenous ones when possible was considered by 82% and shortage in personal protective equipment was reported by five (28%) heads of oncology departments. Some differences between large and small/ medium sized medical centers were observed regarding issues related to COVID-19 containment measures and changes in treatment. Conclusions: Oncology departments in Israel were able to prepare and adapt their services to guidelines and requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic with little harm to their treatment capacity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)759-765
Number of pages7
JournalIsrael Medical Association Journal
Volume23
Issue number12
StatePublished - Dec 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 Israel Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Funding

Maintaining continuity of care for cancer patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging in many countries due to the reallocation of staff and other resources, staff on sick leave or mandatory isolation, appointment cancellations by concerned patients, and financial burden of the pandemic on the healthcare systems [10]. Observations from the current survey suggest that oncology institutions in Israel had a similar challenge in attempting to maintain level of care under changes to resource availability such as reductions in staff size, separation of staff to pre-defined shifts, and partial shortage of personal protective equipment. Continuity of care in oncology departments in Israel was supported by the MOH, which excluded cancer care from the guidelines to halt all elective treatments.

FundersFunder number
Ministry of Health -Singapore

    Keywords

    • Cancer and COVID-19
    • Cancer patient management
    • Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19)
    • Oncologic treatment
    • Preparation of healthcare system

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