Abstract S07-03: Scientia potentia est: How the Italian world of oncology changes in the COVID19 pandemic

Background: After COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, a response from the Italian Health System to react to an unprecedented condition became necessary and sudden. COVID- 19 pandemic required oncologists to redefine clinical organization and management of cancer patients. The aim of our study was to take a picture of the situation of Italian oncologies and to evaluate the difficulties in patients’ management. Methods: Between 18th March and 9th April 2020 we conducted an online survey (Google Forms). It consisted of 45 questions ranging from individual perception of pandemic management by oncologic centers to physicians’ and nurses’ psychological distress and patient care. The survey was anonymous and broadcast to oncology health workers by mailing contacts, word of mouth, and social networks. Results: A total of 383 oncology health workers participated in the survey. The majority was female (72%) and from central Italy (46%). Impressively, a total of 357 (93%) participants declared the Oncologic Department reorganized routine clinical activity, but only 41% were adequately trained about the required procedures. 20% of the survey attendees thought they had not received adequate and timely protective devices with respect to clinical needs, and according to 58% the supply of these devices was only partial. 34% of professionals declared that they did not have or know a defined common guideline to reschedule patients’ treatments. More than 80% of interviewees declared feeling worried about being at greater risk of contagion than the general population, and 92% feared to transmit virus to family members. Deferring treatments has caused fear/anxiety in 228 of the interviewed (60%). Symptoms of stressful situations emerged with a deterioration in sleep quality in 62% of professionals, worsening of mood (69%), and lower concentration ability (49%). Conclusions: Our survey demonstrated the flexibility of oncologic teams. However, the emergency response quality has been heterogeneous, and several drawbacks emerged from this first analysis. Information, protection, testing, and training of health care professionals are keywords that should be kept in mind to encourage recovery after this tragedy and to be ready to face a similar emergency in the near future. Citation Format: Zelmira Ballatore, Lucia Bastianelli, Filippo Merloni, Nicoletta Ranallo, Luca Cantini, Lorenzo Mariotti, Claudia Catani, Michela Burattini, Alessandra Lucarelli, Rossana Berardi. Scientia potentia est: How the Italian world of oncology changes in the COVID19 pandemic [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2020 Jul 20-22. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(18_Suppl):Abstract nr S07-03.