CHALLENGES FOR PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY IN PAKISTAN DURING
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Abstract
Background: During COVID-19 pandemic, as the prime care is directed
towards the management of infected cases, patients with non-communicable
diseases are subject to lack of attention. Pediatric Hematology Oncology
patients demand holistic care therefore might get affected tremendously
during this pandemic. Procedure: An online cross-sectional survey was
carried out among the Pediatric Hematologists-Oncologists from all over
Pakistan in order to assess the pandemic effects. Responses were
received online and data analyzed in SPSS 16.0. Results: Survey was sent
to 96 Pediatric Hematologists-Oncologists from 14 different centers with
50% response rate. Majority (62%) were working in public sector
hospitals, 14% reported to have stopped registering new patients, 68%
reported reduced overall number of patients and 64% reported reduction
of patients for scheduled chemotherapies; 78% reported affected
supportive care services while 70% reported closure of various units of
the department. Affected supplies, specialized investigations, tumor
boards, oncological surgeries, radiation therapies, stem cell transplant
and academic activities were also reported. Availability of PPE was
satisfactory, 62% reported unavailability of isolated febrile
neutropenia rooms, 58% reported inability to exercise social distancing
in ward while 90% reported to exercise short staff rosters. Significant
level of personal and family health concern (M>2.5) and
stress (>3.0) during the pandemic were reported by
pediatric hematologists/oncologists. Conclusion: Apart from overwhelming
issues of COVID-19 patients and their doctors, patients with
non-communicable diseases and their treating physicians are also
tremendously affected during the pandemic and interrupted management of
pediatric hematology oncology patients during pandemic may lead to
devastating long term effects.