Tumori Journal Abstract Book - October 2020 - 71

D - COVID-19

D12

D13

FOLLOW-UP CANCER MANAGEMENT
IN COVID-19 ERA: A SINGLE CENTER
EXPERIENCE

Cancer patients' perceptions,
opinions and feelings during
the COVID epidemic in the most
affected Italian areas: serial
cross-sectional study

Doni L.1, Giorgione R.1, Palmier V.E.1, Tomaiuolo M.1, Dreoni L.1,
Rossi V.1, Antonuzzo L.1
1

AOUC, Firenze

Background: The COVID-19 global pandemic required a
great organizational effort to reduce the n. of patient contacts in Hospital. Based on a recent Italian survey 80% of
cancer centers adopted alternative modalities to get in
touch with patients. However there are no data on the
remote management in follow-up.
Material and methods: In this study we collected data
regarding oncological patients in follow-up whose control
visit was scheduled between 11/03 and 15/05 at AOUC.
Categorical data were analysed by chi square or Fisher
exact test; statistical analysis of continuous variables was
performed by Mann Whitney U test.
Results: 222 patients were enrolled: 99 man, 123 women
(median age 68 yrs). The 43.6% were affected by gastrointestinal tumors, 21.1% genitourinary, 17.5% gynecological/breast, 8.5% thoracic and 7.2% melanoma. 35% were
stage I, 30% stage II, 23% stage III and 12% stage IV. The
median time from diagnosis was 3 years. 192 out of 222
(86%) did not underwent the planned medical examination; 28% of them postponed (9% managed by call, 1 by
email and 89 both). 51% of them were contacted through
the caregiver. The % of patients that underwent medical
examination was 4.4, 11.7 e 24.25 in March, April and
May respectively, suggesting a different compliance with
respect to remote management, correlated to a perception
of the risk of infection. The median postponement time of
was 28 days (5-51). For almost all patients (95.5%) there
was no evidence of disease, for 2.7% was registered a
relapse and for 1.8% additional examination was ongoing:
a correlation was observed between in-person visit and the
recurrence (p=0.012) and between elderly patients and caregiver mediated contact (p=0.002).
Conclusions: This experience shows that the remote management of cancer patients in follow-up is feasible. Many
aspects need to be clarified: lates outcomes, patient satisfaction, type of patients who can benefit. Almost all
patients were managed both by telephonic interview and
by e-mail, resulting in longer consultation time. Likely, a
preventive and exhaustive patient information and a better
technological equipment would improve the quality and
the duration of the tele-consultation. The incremental percentage of in-person visits is another aspect to be investigated. Lastly, greater attention and training should be
addressed to caregivers. The correlation emerged between
in person in-visit and recurrence could be explained by a
proper physician screening.

Bonomi M.1, Passalacqua R.1, Maglietta G.2, Ratti M.1, Gobbi A.1,
Saleri J.1, Grizzi G.1, Barbin F.1, Buffoni L.3, Cavanna L.4, Gallina
F.5, Gervasi E.6, Giuntini N.7, Iridile C.8, Lonati V.9, Maddalena R.10,
Meriggi F.A.11, Piloni S.12, Donati G.1, Campione F.13, Caminiti C.2
1
ASST Cremona, Cremona; 2AOU Parma, Parma; 3Humanitas Gradenigo,
Torino; 4AUSL Piacenza, Piacenza; 5ASST Monza, Monza; 6AUSL IRCCS
Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia; 7ASST Bergamo Est, Alzano Lombardo; 8ASST
Mantova, Mantova; 9ASST Bergamo Ovest, Treviglio; 10ASST Vimercate,
Vimercate; 11Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia; 12ASST Crema, Crema;
13
Università di Bologna, Bologna

Background: Risks associated with COVID outbreak and
consequent restrictive measures taken by the Government,
can cause concern and anxiety. The impact on cancer
patients (pts) may be even greater. We investigated the
influence of COVID pandemic on pts' perceptions, opinions and feelings during the peak of the epidemic and after
the loosening of the Government restrictions.
Methods: Multicenter, serial cross-sectional study conducted in 11 cancer centers located in the hardest hit Italian
areas. The study is composed by 2 surveys administered to
unselected adult pts receiving onsite oncologic treatments:
the first during the enforcement of containment measures
against COVID spread; the second upon the loosening of
Government restrictions. A self-administered questionnaire composed by 11 closed questions (only 1 answer)
was used. At least 1000 pts per each survey were deemed
necessary. Multivariable logistic regression models will be
used to identify factors associated to recorded perceptions
and opinions. Main outcomes are: 1) perception of the
pandemic effect on feelings 2) perception of changes in the
relationship with the medical team 3) opinions on healthcare reorganization and on the information campaign.
Results: The first survey was conducted between March
16th and April 30th. 1027 questionnaires were collected.
Mean age was 64 years (SD 11.7), 58% were women, 49%
had low educational level. 80% and 20% received i.v. and
oral treatment, respectively. As for pts feelings, 45.5%
indicated that their fears related to cancer had increased
because hope in recovery had diminished (23%). Courage
of coping with tumor was increased in 26%, unchanged in
64%; 95% perceived a high availability of healthcare facilities and 97.6% declared confidence in the treating team's
handling of the epidemic, while 65.3% stated that the
information received from the Government and local bodies was confusing.
Conclusions: Although half of the pts had more fears and
concerns about the epidemic, they feel reassured, maintain
trust in healthcare facilities and a good communication

Tumori Journal Abstract Book - October 2020

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