Joanna Dimelow1, Derek Lowe2, Simon N Rogers3,4. 1. Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Liverpool University Hospital, Lower Lane, Liverpool, L9 1AE, UK. 2. Astraglobe Ltd, Congleton, Cheshire, UK. 3. Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Liverpool University Hospital, Lower Lane, Liverpool, L9 1AE, UK. simonn.rogers@aintree.nhs.uk. 4. Faculty of Health and Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, UK. simonn.rogers@aintree.nhs.uk.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients may experience fears regarding cancer recurrence (FoR) and of catching COVID-19. There could be unease for attending hospital clinics for face to face (F2F) examination. F2F benefit in cancer surveillance has to be balanced against the risk of virus transmission. This study aimed to report perceptions of fear of cancer and fear of COVID-19 and to report patient preference for follow-up consultation in HNC survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The study ran from lockdown in England on 24th March to 29th July 2020. Patients were offered preference to postpone their consultation, to have it by telephone, or F2F. A postal survey was undertaken in the 2 weeks post-consultation (actual or postponed). RESULTS: There were 103 patients. Initial action by consultant and patient resulted in 51 postponed consultations, 35 telephone consultations and 17 F2F meetings, with 10 F2F triggered by the patient. There were 58 responders to the survey and most (39) had a clear preference for one mode of follow-up consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic, with half (19) preferring F2F. A similar response was seen regarding their consultations in general to address unmet needs and concerns, with 38 having a preferred mode, 29 preferring F2F. Serious fears about recurrence and COVID-19 were at relatively low levels with a tendency to be more concerned about recurrence. CONCLUSION: Any redesign of mode and frequency of out-patient follow-up in light of COVID-19 should be undertaken in discussion with patient groups and with individual patients.
PURPOSE: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients may experience fears regarding cancer recurrence (FoR) and of catching COVID-19. There could be unease for attending hospital clinics for face to face (F2F) examination. F2F benefit in cancer surveillance has to be balanced against the risk of virus transmission. This study aimed to report perceptions of fear of cancer and fear of COVID-19 and to report patient preference for follow-up consultation in HNC survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The study ran from lockdown in England on 24th March to 29th July 2020. Patients were offered preference to postpone their consultation, to have it by telephone, or F2F. A postal survey was undertaken in the 2 weeks post-consultation (actual or postponed). RESULTS: There were 103 patients. Initial action by consultant and patient resulted in 51 postponed consultations, 35 telephone consultations and 17 F2F meetings, with 10 F2F triggered by the patient. There were 58 responders to the survey and most (39) had a clear preference for one mode of follow-up consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic, with half (19) preferring F2F. A similar response was seen regarding their consultations in general to address unmet needs and concerns, with 38 having a preferred mode, 29 preferring F2F. Serious fears about recurrence and COVID-19 were at relatively low levels with a tendency to be more concerned about recurrence. CONCLUSION: Any redesign of mode and frequency of out-patient follow-up in light of COVID-19 should be undertaken in discussion with patient groups and with individual patients.
Authors: Taylor Winter; Benjamin C Riordan; Amir H Pakpour; Mark D Griffiths; Andre Mason; John W Poulgrain; Damian Scarf Journal: Int J Ment Health Addict Date: 2020-06-15 Impact factor: 11.555
Authors: Jason Y K Chan; Raymond K Y Tsang; K W Yeung; Victor Abdullah; Peter Ku; Eddy W Y Wong; Nishchay Mehta; Ryan K Orosco; F Christopher Holsinger Journal: Head Neck Date: 2020-04-21 Impact factor: 3.147
Authors: Daniel Kwasi Ahorsu; Chung-Ying Lin; Vida Imani; Mohsen Saffari; Mark D Griffiths; Amir H Pakpour Journal: Int J Ment Health Addict Date: 2020-03-27 Impact factor: 11.555