Abstract 1768P
Background
On February 26, 2020, Georgia confirmed its first COVID-19 case. The Government of Georgia together with experts in the field work efficiently to prevent massive spread of the virus throughout the country. To better understand how Georgian regulations affected Cancer patient’s ability to obtain proper healthcare, New Vision University initiated a survey which included questions about patients experiences accessing health care during COVID-19 pandemic, availability of appointments and services, and concerns about being able to safely obtain needed health care treatments. Non-cancer patients were also asked to fill the questionnaire to compare the results between the cancer and non-cancer patients during COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
We collected the data from 3 large hospitals located in the main cities of Georgia: Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi. Cancer and no-cancer patients who were admitted to above mentioned hospitals from March 1st till the April 30th for different elective and urgent reasons, excluding emergency cases were included. The survey was conducted anonymously, through telephone conversations, emails and social media according to respondents’ preferences. Out of total 1025 patients, we obtained responses from 310 patients, out of which 150 were cancer and 160 – non-cancer patients. Statistical methods have been implicated for analyses of the results.
Results
From all cancer patients, only 24% reported delayed or cancelled care or treatment (overall), while 58% of non-cancer patients confirmed the delay or cancellation. The care/treatment was delayed due to government/hospital policy in 22% of cancer patients. In-person visits been changed to audio or video consultations in 12% cancer and 29% of non-cancer patients. 70% of cancer patients confirm that they felt safe at the hospital. Personal protective equipment was available for 63% of cancer and only for 18% of non cancer patients. Both group of patients stated decline in psychological/ symptomatic care during pandemic (47% and 42%) and problems in transportation to/from hospital (28% and 39%).
Conclusions
We can conclude that care of cancer patients during COVID pandemic in Georgia was delivered optimally and safely, in majority of cases treatment was conducted without delay or cancellation.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
New Vision University.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.