Abstract
BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has already changed our globalised world and its long-term impact is not yet known. It is apparent that businesses and institutions are increasingly affected. COVID-19 discussions often focus on intensive care units in hospitals. However, COVID-19 also effects life-saving and -prolonging radiotherapy for patients suffering from cancer.MethodWe have conducted a structured online survey among medical physicists in Germany, Austria and Switzerland from March 23rd to 26th 2020. In total 154 responses (82 completed, 72 partially completed) were analysed in the context of the COVID-19 dissemination.Results72.4% of the respondent’s state that their processes are affected due to COVID-19, while the top three answers are longer processing times (54.2%), patient no-shows (42.5%) and staff reduction (36.7%). 75.8% expect further unavailability of their personnel in the upcoming weeks. All participants have already taken several measures, especially providing information for patients at the entrance (89.6%) or over the phone (73.6%), restricting access for accompanying persons (77.4%) and providing disinfectant at the entrance (72.6%).DiscussionThe results presented in this article aim to support business continuity and risk management for radiotherapy centres to prepare for future challenges. The results show that most radiotherapy centres has implemented initial contingency measures, applying them pragmatically. The main problem however remains, that is the high risk of infection both for patients and medical personnel along with the associated risk of temporarily loss of personnel and ordered closure of business.
Highlights
A pneumonia of unknown cause was first reported in Wuhan China on December 31st, 2019
The results presented in this article aim to support business continuity and risk management for radiotherapy centres to prepare for future challenges
The results show that most radiotherapy centres has implemented initial contingency measures, applying them pragmatically
Summary
Information and motivation Sample analysis Situational analysis Situational analysis Impact analysis Preparation analysis Implementation analysis Ideation Information expect in the coming weeks and which corresponding measures have already been taken or are planned. The number of mentions was neglected in this process It was reported by one participant that patients from other radiotherapy centres have forwarded patients, even though they were not tested positive on COVID-19. Shift operation at the radiotherapy centre was mentioned by one participant as an additional measure that could be implemented. Patients, who do not keep appointments for instance, generate additional workload due to rescheduling of appointments and possibly even the need for calculating new radiotherapy plans This is a situation that will become more evident with the expected loss of personnel in the coming weeks. The classification of patients into urgency groups is the most popular standard measure for radiotherapy centres This is stated in the guidelines and concepts summarised in the foundations section. Radiotherapy centres should accelerate digitisation strategies to be better prepared for future challenges
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