The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on genitourinary and prostate cancer care and clinical trials: a qualitative exploration of the Australian and New Zealand experience.

Roberts, Natasha A.; Dhillon, Haryana M.; Paterson, Catherine; Schubach, Kathryn; McJannett, Margaret; Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to understand the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic from March to November 2020 on healthcare delivery and clinical trials for genitourinary (GU) cancers in Australia. Methods: Annually a pre‐conference workshop is hosted by the Australian New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group for supportive care health professionals. In November 2020, those that selected to attend were invited to participate in a focus group. Workshop and focus group discussions were recorded and transcripts were analyzed thematically. Results: Seventy‐two individuals involved in GU cancer care and clinical trials took part. Participants described negative changes to GU cancer care and clinical trials from the pandemic due to reduced clinical services and increased wait times. Trial recruitment was paused temporarily during lockdowns, and standard treatment protocols were used to limit hospital visits. Trial process changes included electronic capture of informed consent, home delivery of oral medications, and delegations of assessments. These changes increased administrative activity for clinical trial teams and Human Research Ethics Committees. A transition to telehealth enabled continuity of service delivery and trials but reduced the opportunity for face‐to‐face patient consultations with increasing concern about the failure to detect supportive care needs. Conclusion: The pandemic has prompted a critical review of service delivery and clinical trials for people with GU cancers.

Citation

ROBERTS, N.A., DHILLON, H.M., PATERSON, C., SCHUBACH, K., MCJANNETT, M., and the AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND UROGENITAL AND PROSTATE CANCER TRIALS GROUP. 2023. The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on genitourinary and prostate cancer care and clinical trials: a qualitative exploration of the Australian and New Zealand experience. Asia-Pacific journal of clinical oncology [online], 19(3), pages 337-346. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/ajco.13847

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 29, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Oct 25, 2022
• Publication Date: Jun 30, 2023
• Deposit Date: Oct 31, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 31, 2022
• Journal: Asia‐Pacific journal of clinical oncology
• Print ISSN: 1743-7555
• Electronic ISSN: 1743-7563
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 337-346
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ajco.13847
• Keywords: Australia and New Zealand; Clinical trials; COVID‐19; Genitourinary cancers; Prostate cancer; Qualitative research
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1794442