SP-0139 Effect of Covid on radiotherapy practice

Abstract

Introduction To evaluate the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on radiotherapy, ESTRO has surveyed heads or representatives of 500 departments in Europe in 2020 and 2021. Materials and Methods: In the 1st survey in May 2020 [1] 139 questionnaires were received (RR 28%) from 29 countries, and in the 2nd survey in February 2021 104 (RR 21%) from 28 countries. Results: In the 1st survey, in 58% of departments some treatments were deferred. In 78% of the departments, telemedicine was used, for patients under treatment (22%) and for follow-up (72%). In 60% , a decline in patient volume (median 20%) was noticed, due to delays (65%), reduced referrals (75%) and/or staff shortage (15%). A reduction in staff occurred in 57%, mainly due to family care responsibilities (29%), staff COVID-19 illness (26%) and transfer to other clinical areas (13%). Screening of patients at the entrance was performed in 82%, and 88% of the departments didn’t allow visitors. In the 2nd survey, a decline in cancer screening was seen in 69% of the centers and 71% noticed that patients presented with more advanced disease. 53% reported a decrease (median 10%) in patient volume and 38% noticed no change. Main causes were deferrals (38%) and reduced referral rates (34%). Telemedicine was used in 65%, but mainly for follow-up (64%) . Most departments (73%) created procedures for treatment of Covid-19 positive patients. A staff reduction was observed in 70% . Main reasons included Covid-19 illness (50%), family care (43%) and transfer to other clinical areas (16%). The department heads expressed concerns related to the well-being of health professionals (76%), creating flexible work arrangements (66%), burnout (61%), and work/life balance (54%). Conclusion: Radiotherapy departments throughout Europe managed to continue treatment of their patients. Most centers observed a back-log in referred patientes and noticed an increase in patients presenting with more advanced disease.