Reorganisation of medical oncology departments during the novel coronavirus disease-19 pandemic: a nationwide Italian survey

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.03.024
• Publication Date: 2020-04-06T16:07:41Z
• Authors: Alice Indini; Carlo Aschele; Luigi Cavanna; Mario Clerico; Bruno Daniele; Giammaria Fiorentini; Luisa Fioretto; Monica Giordano; Vincenzo Montesar...; Cinzia Ortega; Graziella Pinotti; Alberto Scanni; Claudio Zamagni; Livio Blasi; Francesco Grossi
• Keywords: Pandemic; Triage

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 pandemic is a global health problem, which started to affect China by the end of 2019. In Europe, Italy has faced this disease entity (named coronavirus [COVID-19]) first and severely. COVID-19 represents significant hurdle for public services potential harm patients with cancer. Collegio Italiano dei Primari Oncologi Medici (CIPOMO) an Italian association head physicians in oncology departments, promotes working research activities on national basis. midst epidemic Italy, CIPOMO promoted survey aiming evaluate impact clinical activity oncologists implementation containment measures diffusion. Overall, 122 participated survey, homogeneous distribution territory. Results show that following oncologic have been promptly implemented through whole country: use protective devices, triage accessing hospital, delay non-urgent visits telemedicine. suggest departments set proactive approach actual emergency. Oncologists need preserve continuum care patients, as benefit ensuring well-delivered anti-cancer treatment plan outweighs risk infection. International cooperation important starting point, heavily affected nations can serve example find out ways safely during pandemic.