Premium
Preparedness of the cancer hospitals and changes in oncosurgical practices during COVID‐19 pandemic in India: A cross‐sectional study
Author(s) -
Singh Hemant Kumar,
Patil Vijayraj,
Chaitanya Ganne,
Nair Deepa
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/jso.26174
Subject(s) - medicine , preparedness , government (linguistics) , salary , pandemic , cross sectional study , family medicine , health care , covid-19 , medical emergency , nursing , disease , economic growth , management , pathology , law , linguistics , philosophy , political science , infectious disease (medical specialty) , economics
Abstract Background and Objectives Coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has impacted cancer care across India. This study aimed to assess (a) organizational preparedness of hospitals (establishment of screening clinics, COVID‐19 wards/committees/intensive care units [ICUs]/operating rooms [ORs]), (b) type of major/minor surgeries performed, and (c) employee well‐being (determined by salary deductions, paid leave provisions, and work in‐rotation). Methods This online questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional study was distributed to 480 oncosurgeons across India. We used χ 2 statistics to compare responses across geographical areas (COVID‐19 lockdown zones and city tiers) and type of organization (government/private, academic/nonacademic, and dedicated/multispecialty hospitals). P < .05 was considered significant. Results Total of 256 (53.3%) oncologists completed the survey. About 206 hospitals in 85 cities had screening clinics (98.1%), COVID‐19 dedicated committees (73.7%), ward (67.3%), ICU's (49%), and OR's (36%). Such preparedness was higher in tier‐1 cities, government, academic, and multispecialty hospitals. Dedicated cancer institutes continued major surgeries in all oncological subspecialties particularly in head and neck ( P = .006) and colorectal oncology ( P = .04). Employee well‐being was better in government hospitals. Conclusion Hospitals have implemented strategies to continue cancer care. Despite limited resources, the significant risk associated and financial setbacks amidst nationwide lockdown, oncosurgeons are striving to prioritize and balance the oncologic needs and safety concerns of cancer patients across the country.