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Effects of COVID-19 on Pediatric Cancer Care: A Multicenter Study of 11 Middle Eastern Countries
Mahmoud M Elzembely1,2, Abdulhakim Al Rawas3, Abdulqader Al-Hebshi4
1Pediatric Oncology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted pediatric cancer care, impacting access and treatment continuity. Pediatric oncologists anticipate increased telemedicine use and potential chemotherapy protocol changes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to pediatric cancer centers globally.
- Disruptions included access to care, treatment continuity, hospital admissions, and infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric cancer care delivery.
- To understand the challenges faced by pediatric oncologists and their perspectives on future care models.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to pediatric oncologists across 29 cancer centers in 11 countries.
- Data was collected from May to August 2020 via direct or internet-based responses.
Main Results:
- 75.9% of centers reported difficulties in patient access, and 72.4% experienced altered patient flow.
- 69% of centers reported healthcare worker infections; 62% modified treatment guidelines.
- Follow-up care was managed via in-hospital visits (27.6%), telemedicine (34.5%), or delays (38%).
Conclusions:
- The pandemic severely affected pediatric cancer care, necessitating adaptive strategies.
- Pediatric oncologists anticipate a rise in telemedicine and potential modifications to chemotherapy regimens.
- Collaborative research is crucial for optimizing pediatric cancer management during and after the pandemic.
Abstract:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, major challenges are facing pediatric cancer centers regarding access to cancer centers, continuity of the anti-cancer therapy, hospital admission, and infection protection precautions. Pediatric oncologists actively treating children with cancer from 29 cancer centers at 11 countries were asked to answer a survey from May 2020 to August 2020 either directly or through the internet. COVID-19 pandemic affected the access to pediatric cancer care in the form of difficulty in reaching the center in 22 (75.9%) centers and affection of patients' flow in 21 (72.4%) centers. Health care professionals (HCP) were infected with COVID-19 in 20 (69%) surveyed centers. Eighteen centers (62%) modified the treatment guidelines. Care of follow-up patients was provided in-hospital in 8(27.6%) centers, through telemedicine in 10 (34.5%) centers, and just delayed in 11 (38%) centers. Pediatric oncologists had different expectations about the future effects of COVID-19 on pediatric cancer care. Seventy-six percent of pediatric oncologists think the COVID-19 pandemic will increase the use of telemedicine. Fifty-five percent of pediatric oncologists think if the COVID-19 pandemic persists, we will need to change chemotherapy protocols to less myelosuppressive ones. Collaborative studies are required to prioritize pediatric cancer management during COVID-19 era.
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