The impact of COVID-19 on systemic anticancer treatment delivery in Scotland.
Mark A BaxterJohn MurphyDavid CameronJudith JordanChristine CrearieChristina LilleyAzmat SadozyeMary MacleanPeter S HallAngela PhillipsAlex GregerJude MadeleineRussell D PettyPublished in: British journal of cancer (2021)
Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on systemic anticancer therapy delivery (SACT) is crucial to appreciate the short- and long-term consequences for cancer patients and plan future care. Here, we report real-time national SACT delivery data from NHS Scotland. We demonstrate an initial rapid reduction in patient attendance of 28.7% with subsequent rapid recovery following service redesign. The smallest decrease was seen in breast cancer (19.7%), which also had the most rapid recovery and the largest decrease seen in colorectal cancer (43.4%). Regional variation in the magnitude of impact on SACT delivery was observed, but nadirs occurred at the same time and the rate of recovery was similar across all regions. This recovery reflected a coordinated national approach and associated patient and clinician support structures, which facilitated the creation of COVID-19-protected areas for SACT delivery in Scottish cancer centres enabling rapid sharing of successful and innovative strategies. The data show that these actions have limited the disadvantage to cancer patients.
Keyphrases
- coronavirus disease
- sars cov
- healthcare
- quality improvement
- loop mediated isothermal amplification
- palliative care
- mental health
- patient safety
- big data
- high resolution
- mesenchymal stem cells
- young adults
- artificial intelligence
- data analysis
- pain management
- deep learning
- combination therapy
- cell therapy
- health insurance