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Dr. Kathryn Hudson: Redefining Quality Cancer Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

February 23, 2021

Kathryn Hudson, M.D., hematologist and oncologist at Texas Oncology–Austin Central, explains how quality cancer care is being redefined during COVID-19. This excerpt originally appeared in Dr. Hudson’s article, “What is ‘Quality’ Oncology Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic” in The ASCO Post.

My patient with metastatic colon cancer was sitting across from me after being absent for several months. His cancer had been under excellent control on chemotherapy, but now he was having worse pain and shortness of breath. Despite our calls, he had not kept his appointments. We were 6 feet apart, masking, and goggled. “Have been afraid to come in,” he said. “I don’t want to get COVID-19.”

At this point in the pandemic, we have all experienced situations like this. Whether you’re a patient afraid to attend an office visit or a healthcare worker whose patients have cancelled visits, COVID-19 has upended the way patients with cancer participate in their care and the way physicians provide care. Patients worry that lifesaving treatment could also make them more susceptible to a deadline virus. Cancer care is more complex than ever.

Cancer does not stop for COVID-19. It is essential for patients to receive quality cancer treatment, especially as the pandemic stretches on. There are distinct ways in which cancer care has changed.”

One thing remains clear – cancer does not stop for COVID-19. It is essential for patients to receive quality cancer treatment, especially as the pandemic stretches on. There are distinct ways in which cancer care has changed.

  • Safety measures. Quality care now includes screening, personal protective equipment (PPE), physical distancing, video conferencing, contact tracing, and safe management of persons under investigation for COVID-19 infection.
  • Visitor restrictions. Visitors and nonessential vendors can enter cancer center only when absolutely necessary.
  • Safe distancing. Infusion and waiting rooms, and staff workspaces must be rearranged to maximize physical distancing.
  • Telemedicine. If a patient doesn’t need to be examined, the visit should be conducted through telemedicine.

These are only a few ways cancer care has changed during the pandemic. Simple decisions are made complex. Patients may ask themselves, “Should I put off that mammogram or colonoscopy?” Of course, the answer is no, patients should continue to get all recommended screenings.

Meanwhile, physicians are making decisions about the safest way to provide safe, quality care to patients. Ultimately, this will lead to long-lasting improvement in cancer care. For example, many patients like the convenience of telemedicine, especially those for whom travel is difficult or appointments are limited. Telemedicine has been instrumental in securing the safety of patients during the pandemic and is a welcome evolution in cancer care that hopefully will continue.

Read Dr. Hudson’s full article in The ASCO Post.


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