Finding a clinical pathway in the face of a pandemic
The emergence of COVID-19 has had a large impact on people living with cancer, on healthcare professionals (HCP), and also the delivery of health services. Every day new information is released regarding COVID-19. This then leads to the rapid development, sharing and implementation of new health regulations. Oncology services have been affected globally, and this has included the speedy transition to telehealth. Worldwide, various strategies have been implemented to help alleviate and contain the spread of COVID-19. This has included social distancing and the introduction of quarantining. For those living with below the belt cancers, these measures have sometimes led to distress, increased risk of depression, and social isolation. Consideration is being taken and regularly reviewed for cancer patients but little is known about the experiences among frontline nurses and allied healthcare professionals who care for the patients affected by below the belt cancer. More needs to be discovered about the day-to-day service delivery as well as the nurses and allied healthcare professionals experience addressing the needs of people affected by cancer. Australia has fortunately experienced lower infection rates in comparison to other countries. Despite this, the impact has been felt across staff and patients in cancer services. As healthcare professionals continue to respond, the opportunity to innovate quickly has been embraced by healthcare leaders.
14 A LITTLE BELOW THE BELT
ANZUP recently held its Annual Scientific Meeting and included a session for nurses and allied healthcare professionals titled, ‘In the Face of a Pandemic, Navigating a Clinical Pathway.’ This session was used to explore the experiences of nurses and allied health professionals caring for people affected by below the belt cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the impact on people living with cancer and the delivery of healthcare services, particularly the transition to telehealth and teletrials. A lot of productive discussion occurred throughout the meeting and many points were raised in relation to both cancer patients and healthcare staff. It was reported that many patients benefited from telehealth and not having to travel during the height of the pandemic. Anxiety levels were lessened as well as the financial burden of travel – especially if journeying from a rural or regional location. Not all patients embraced telehealth – either due to IT limitations in rural areas or lack of experience and confidence using technology. Healthcare staff felt they became IT instructors, coaching their patients through set up and use of their mobile device or computer prior to a consultation.
