An Italian Model for the Management of Cancer Patients during COVID-19 Pandemic: The Regional Center for Oncological Orientation (COrO) of Taranto (ROP)

Objective: The recent outbreak of COVID-19 limited the resources of the National Health System necessitating the formulation of novel practice recommendations for oncological care. To date, management guidelines for cancer patients in case of pandemic are not available. Each center tried to manage i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical principles and practice 2022, Vol.31 (1), p.54-58
Main Authors: Pisconti, Salvatore, Modoni, Gabriella, Cafiero, Concetta, Simeone, Giuseppe, Surico, Giammarco, Gorgoni, Giovanni
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cancer therapies
Collaboration
Continuity of care
COVID-19
Disease transmission
Epidemics
Health services
Hospitals
Infections
Oncology
Original Paper
Pandemics
Pathology
Patients
Public health
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Telemedicine
Ultrasonic imaging
Workloads
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Summary:Objective: The recent outbreak of COVID-19 limited the resources of the National Health System necessitating the formulation of novel practice recommendations for oncological care. To date, management guidelines for cancer patients in case of pandemic are not available. Each center tried to manage its own needs and requests independently, often reducing access to treatment and diagnostic exams to patients. Here, we have described the management of cancer patients during COVID-19 infection with suggestions of some practical approaches applied by our Regional Center for Oncological Orientation (COrO) in S.G. Moscati Hospital (Taranto, Italy). Subjects and Methods: Our strategy was to minimize any interruption of cancer treatment through the extension of Taranto’s Health Regional (COrO). The extension of the oncological network, assisted by the General Management of Taranto ASL through agreements with private structures in Taranto’s area, allowed cancer patients to receive up to 11 different types of services, according to their needs (first investigation or follow-up), and represents an exclusive organization on the entire Italian territory. Results: Thanks to the organization of the COrO in 2020, 1,406 first oncological visits and 566 preparatory treatments were carried out, 372 of exemption for oncological pathology (free health care) were activated, and 1,742 instrumental investigations and 7 cases of civil invalidity were performed (certificate of disability). Conclusions: We have overcome barriers to care of oncology patients leading to a reduction of waiting lists representing a practical application model that can be extended to other healthcare settings.
ISSN:1011-7571
1423-0151
DOI:10.1159/000520735