SP-0370 ESTRO RTTC guidance on COVID-19

Abstract

Radiotherapy (RT) plays a key role in cancer management, and ideally, a course of RT should not be interrupted. Unforeseen interruptions to RT, leading to an increase in overall treatment time, can result in a higher risk of recurrences and poorer outcome. So with COVID-19 being classed as a pandemic in March 2020, it was important that RT services should be maintained and provided in a safe environment for both RTTs and patients. To this end, the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology, Radiation TherapisT Committee (ESTRO RTTC) published a guidance document and infographics at an early stage to aid RTTs in working safely as front line workers and keeping patients safe. Both these publications covered 4 domains: Patient care, RTT workflow, Remote working and RT practice and were translated into many European languages so that all RTTs in Europe would have access to them. Subsequently, a survey, initiated by ESTRO Radiation Oncology Safety and Quality Committee (ROSQC), was performed in May 2020 within the RTT community in Europe and America. The aim was to investigate the changes in RT practice in the 4 domains mentioned above, in the COVID-19 era and to recommend proactive measures to protect RT practice in future pandemics: 229 respondents from 27 countries completed the survey. The survey showed that within these 4 domains different countries had different approaches in dealing with COVID and RTTs were not always seen as front line workers despite their crucial role in the treatment of cancer patients. The survey also showed that in the early months lack of resources either personal protection, or financial issues dictated government guidelines. Most RTT departments followed government guidelines, but this was not always in line with acknowledging RTTs as front line workers. Systems and protocols needed to be put in place in a relatively short time to avoid spreading disease to staff and patients and the possible closure of a department because of no staff. The problems and issues encountered and lessons learnt during this pandemic will help us prepare for future pandemics . This presentation will focus on the RTT committee guidelines and the results of the survey and how we can use these in the future. RTTs are front line health care workers and should be recognized as such in all countries.