Abstract CN31
Background
The COVID-19 outbreak forced healthcare providers to adapt the clinical practice routines. In Switzerland, oncology care has been adjusted following national and international recommendations and guidelines. Two Swiss oncology associations collaborated to organize webinars to enable oncology nurses to share their experience with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
Ten nursing experts and managers from different cancer settings (outpatient, hospital, rehabilitation, and community) participated at two webinars held in April and May 2020. The discussions were organized along four questions: 1) How changed COVID-19 oncology nursing practice? 2) What tools do nurses need to support patients? 3) What would nurses additionally need? 4) Which further supporting tools / guidelines and actions would be needed?.
Results
Among the main themes discussed, the remote consultation for SARS-CoV-2 negative and positive patients was the most prominent one. Another very important issue was the personal protective equipment (PPE) for nurses and patients. Some experts and participants described shortness of appropriate PPE as a main challenge. For all experts, but particularly those working in hospitalized units, the visiting restrictions were mentioned as a very difficult and emotionally challenging situation. One center used diaries and many video devices to support hospitalized patients affected by restricted visiting policies to keep in touch with their families. Further, nurses expressed the need for regularly updated evidence-based recommendations related to COVID-19 nursing care, and the need for appropriate tools and resources adapted to COVID-19 context.
Conclusions
All participants suggested organizing regular webinars to foster the exchange on lessons learned and helpful strategies. The demand to find solutions has facilitated new intra- and extra-hospital communication on current practices.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
M. Eicher: Research grant/Funding (institution): Roche; Research grant/Funding (self): BMS; Research grant/Funding (self): Kaiku Health; Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: Vifor; Honoraria (institution): Roche. S. Colomer-Lahiguera: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: Vifor; Honoraria (institution): Vifor. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.