Impact of COVID-19 on patient–doctor interaction in a complex radiation therapy facility

Abstract

Purpose In the last months, Italy faced a COVID-19 emergency and implemented preventive measures in order to protect patients and healthcare providers from a disease outbreak. The pandemic control strategies impacted patient experience directly. Questionnaires evaluating patients reported measures (PREMs) may assess critical issues and represent a helpful tool to measure the patient perception of healthcare service. Our aim was to prospectively assess patient satisfaction about doctor–patient interaction in a high-volume radiation therapy and oncology center during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Cancer patients receiving either systemic and/or radiation treatment underwent a survey. Two validated questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, FACIT-TS-G version 1) and 14 specific questions evaluating patients’ perception of COVID-19 measures were administered. Results One hundred twenty-five patients admitted to our department from 1–30 April 2020 completed the questionnaires. The majority (66.4%) of patients were women and the most common disease was breast cancer (40%). The average Global Health Status (GHS) of EORTC QLQ-C30 was 61.67. Emotional functioning, social, and cognitive domains obtained scores of 75.48, 80.13, and 84.67, respectively. FACIT-TS-G results revealed 120 patients rated the treatments effective and 108 patients thought the side effects were the same as expected or better. Most (89.6%) rated their treatment good, very good, or excellent. Concerning COVID-19-related questions, patients reported overall very good level of information. Conclusions Despite the introduction of strict COVID-19 control measures, there was a high level of cancer outpatient satisfaction. The satisfaction levels may influence compliance, continuity of treatments, and patient–doctor communication, impacting the quality of clinical care in the next phases of the pandemic.

Cancer Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review of Patient’s and Caregiver’s Experiences

“…Women who experienced severe disruption showed greater levels of general emotional vulnerability and COVID-EMV. Desideri 2020 (Italy) 21 To prospectively assess patient satisfaction using patient reported measures (PREMs) about doctor-patient interaction in a high-volume radiation therapy and oncology centre during the COVID-19 pandemic. Radiation oncology unit.…”

“…In a study conducted at a palliative care centre in the US, participants likened the experience to being “prisoners in a cage”. 21 …”

Cancer Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review of Patients’ and Caregivers’ Experiences

“…Visitors were prohibited from entering wards or accompanying the patient during appointments. In a study conducted at a palliative care centre in the US, participants likened the experience to being 'prisoners in a cage' [21].…”

“…(IV) Perceived risk of infection, anxiety and fear Feelings of anxiety and fear surrounding the pandemic was common with eighteen studies referencing changes in emotional and psychological functioning [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][32][33][34][35]. Approximately 55% of the 204 participants in a study conducted in a tertiary-institution study felt unsafe to visit the hospital [17].…”

Preventive Behaviors and Mental Health-Related Symptoms Among Immunocompromised Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of the COVID Impact Survey

“…[2][3][4] Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the interaction between patients and health care providers. 5,6 The initial surge of patients with COVID-19 prompted hospitals and clinics to cancel nonessential visits to the doctor's office and delay elective surgical procedures to mitigate the risk of exposure, in accordance with CDC guidelines. [7][8][9][10] The use of telemedicine as a substitute for these encounters has since increased substantially, from 11% of U.S. patients using telehealth in 2019 to 46% using telehealth in 2020.…”