The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physicians managing breast cancer patients in Saudi Arabia

Authors

  • Sahar M. Alnefaie Department of General Surgery, College of Medicine, Taif University, Saudi Arabia
  • Ghaida H. Alotaibi Taif University, Taif city, Saudi Arabia
  • Nada E. Algethami Taif University, Taif city, Saudi Arabia
  • Raghad S. Z. Aljunaid King Faisal Medical Complex, Taif city, Saudi Arabia.
  • Israa H. Alnemari King Abdullah Medical Complex, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Raghad S. S. Aljuaid Taif University, Taif city, Saudi Arabia
  • Khairiah Y. Alqashqari Taif University, Taif city, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20220938

Keywords:

Breast, Cancer, COVID-19, Surgery, Saudi

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the health-care system worldwide, and physicians face challenges in clinical practice, especially in managing cancer patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on physicians managing breast cancer patients in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to October 2020 among physicians practicing in Saudi Arabia, using an online-based survey. The questionnaire included items on physicians’ sociodemographic, barriers faced with breast cancer patients, concerns about and satisfaction with breast cancer patients’ management, and treatment protocols they follow.

Results: A total of 317 physicians participated in this study. Most of them faced difficulties in their work with breast cancer patients during this pandemic, and 77.3% reported that they diagnosed at least one breast cancer case. Many patients missed chemotherapy sessions, and half of the centres indicated that more than 10% of their patients missed at least one session. 83% of the physicians were satisfied with the way they managed breast cancer patients, and 73% follow a specific protocol in managing breast cancer patients.

Conclusions: The study’s findings show that the active COVID-19 pandemic led to a more stressful situation among physicians, which has affected management of breast cancer patients. COVID-19 is reshaping the delivery of not only breast cancer care but also general oncology practice. Currently, due to the availability of effective vaccination and more understanding of COVID-19, we believe that breast cancer operations should be performed on their scheduled date.

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Published

2022-03-28

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Original Research Articles