COVID-19 and radiotherapy: impact on work and personal life of Lombardy residents during first lockdown, survey endorsed by AIRO Young

Abstract

Aim: Since 20 February 2020, Lombardy has been one of the most affected areas worldwide by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study is to evaluate work and psychological impact of COVID-19 on Lombardy radiation therapy (RT) residents in the first 3 months of the outbreak (first lockdown). Methods: An online questionnaire (22 multiple choice questions) via Microsoft Forms was administered on 30 May 2020 to RT residents. Results: Nineteen Lombardy RT residents responded to the survey. Nineteen percent of residents underwent a nasal swab and 11% were quarantined. Seventeen residents (89%) reported an increase in workload. Twelve residents (63%) did not find any difference in terms of work distress; worsening was highlighted in 5 cases (26%). The majority has never considered the possibility of stopping work due to excessive stress (89%). Almost all the residents experienced self- or relative-referred apprehension (95%). Ninety-five percent reported having missed extra-work social relationships. Most of the sample noted worsening sleep quality and difficulty concentrating (69%). No residents requested psychological support, even if provided by the hospital. Conclusion: Overall, the residents adapted to the new workplace scenario, although some health risks and well-being challenges have been reported. An extension of the survey to all Italian RT residents endorsed by Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology “Young AIRO” will allow an evaluation of COVID-19 impact on a national level. A second survey is planned to underline differences between the first lockdown and the current situation of the pandemic.

Covid-19 and radiotherapy: a systematic review after 2 years of pandemic

“…A significant increase in the experience of isolation and a decrease in emotional functions and the general quality of life were observed during the Covid-19 lockdown in cancer patients [ 15 , 253 , 254 , 264 , 268 , 273 , 277 , 278 , 282 , 287 ].…”

Prospective assessment of stress and health concerns of radiation oncology staff during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…So far, there have been very few reports examining stress level and mental health problems in radiation oncology departments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those studies focused on sub-groups of departmental staff such as radiation therapy technicians (RTTs) in Canada and Norway [7] , or radiation oncology residents in Italy [8] . To our knowledge, no study has assessed comprehensively stress levels and health concerns across all professions in a single radiation oncology department and no study has continuously assessed stress levels for a long duration of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.…”