Influence of the pandemic dissemination of COVID-19 on radiotherapy practice: A flash survey in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has already changed our globalised world and its long-term impact is not yet known. It is apparent that businesses and institutions are increasingly affected. COVID-19 discussions often focus on intensive care units in hospitals. However, COVID-19 also effects life-saving and -prolonging radiotherapy for patients suffering from cancer.

Method

We have conducted a structured online survey among medical physicists in Germany, Austria and Switzerland from March 23rd to 26th 2020. In total 154 responses (82 completed, 72 partially completed) were analysed in the context of the COVID-19 dissemination.

Results

72.4% of the respondent's state that their processes are affected due to COVID-19, while the top three answers are longer processing t

SUBMITTER: Reuter-Oppermann M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7241763 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature