Development and implementation of an “Internet+” management plan for cancer patients with wounds/stomas during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Abstract

To explore the practical application and effect of the management plan for cancer patients with wounds/stomas based on the “Internet+” model during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Based on the specific situation during the COVID‐19 pandemic, we established the “Internet+” management team for cancer patients with wounds/stomas. After systematical literature search and brainstorming analysis, we developed a management plan for cancer patients with wounds/stomas based on the “Internet+” model. Then, we included cancer patients with wounds/stomas who needed follow‐up visits or consultations at Jiangsu Cancer Hospital from January 25 to April 30, 2020. A total of 304 patients were participated in the study. The effects of the plan were evaluated including patient satisfaction, the proportion of patients who did not need to go to the hospital for treatment, the proportion of patients with improved symptoms and the rate of the patients or nurses contracted COVID‐19. After the implementation of the plan, 56.3% of the patients mastered the relevant self‐care methods under the guidance of specialist nurses and did not need to go to the hospital for treatment. A total of 89.5% of the patients showed improvement in symptoms, and 99.4% of the patients were satisfied with the online treatment. None of the patients or nurses contracted COVID‐19. The “Internet+” management plan for cancer patients with wounds/stomas during the COVID‐19 pandemic had supported epidemic prevention and control in medical institutions and reduced the risk of cross infection. In addition, this type of plan effectively improved disease symptoms in the patients, and their level of satisfaction was high.