The emotional impact of covid-19 outbreak on cancer out-patients and their caregivers: Results of a survey in the heart of the Italian pandemic

Background: Dimension and speed of the COVID19 health emergency forced pressing reorganization of the hospital machine with foreseeable repercussions on both cancer patients and healthcare professionals A survey to the latter had the aim to describe oncology reaction at the time of Coronavirus spread in Piedmont and Valle d\u0027Aosta Material and methods: An electronic survey containing questions regarding the organizational, relational and management aspects of the emergency COVID19 as sent to Piedmont and Valle d\u0027Aosta health workers in oncology on April 7th 2020 Results: 201 questionnaires were completed: 60% oncologists, 33% nurses, 7% palliativists;41% \u003c45y;33% university hospital, 32% non-university hospital 32% ASL 91% considered the pre-triage model and COVID questionnaire as essential for identifying suspected patients Structures were converted for assistance of COVID patients in 76% of cases and 26% of the health workers accepted a role change:18% on voluntary basis, while only 24% believe to have received adequate training On clinical activity, significant reduction (48%) was registered only for first visits (CAS) while interdisciplinary discussions (GIC) have been maintained although with alternative modalities (remotely,77%) 88% of follow-up visits were remotely conducted Considering relational aspects, discomfort mainly concerned absence of physical contact and forms of non-verbal communication hampered by the PPE, increased communication time However, healthcare provider-patient relationship has not changed (20%), even allowing a more transparent and empathic interaction despite the use of alternative means of communication Health professionals suffered the lack of a reference in the management of the pandemic and/or guidelines of behavior and specific skills Major concern was the lack of PPE and the fear to be a source of infection for one\u0027s family (in 67% of cases a physical distancing from one\u0027s family nucleus was carried out or would have been desired) 52% operators report they have not yet received the swab test;in case of swab test, this was carried out due to presence of symptoms (8%) or intermediate-high risk due to prolonged contact with a COVID case, with 60% believing times and procedures were inadequate Conclusions: This picture is a precious benchmark to face with in order to reorganize the oncological activity in the immediate future, taking great account of the perception and experience of oncology operators Submitted on behalf of the AIOM Piemonte \u0026 Valle d\u0027Aosta Regional Board