Novel coronavirus mitigation measures implemented by radiotherapy centres in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review

Donkor, A; Atuwo-Ampoh, VD; Opie, C; Yakanu, F; Lombe, D; Khader, J

Novel coronavirus mitigation measures implemented by radiotherapy centres in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review

Donkor, A

Atuwo-Ampoh, VD Opie, C Yakanu, F Lombe, D Khader, J

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Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: 2021
Issue Date:: 2021-02-04

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Donkor, A https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6073-524X
dc.contributor.author	Atuwo-Ampoh, VD
dc.contributor.author	Opie, C
dc.contributor.author	Yakanu, F
dc.contributor.author	Lombe, D
dc.contributor.author	Khader, J
dc.date.accessioned	2022-02-08T09:44:09Z
dc.date.available	2022-02-08T09:44:09Z
dc.date.issued	2021-02-04
dc.identifier.citation	2021
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/154305
dc.description.abstract	<h4>Aim: </h4> To identify strategies adopted by radiotherapy centres in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. <h4>Background: </h4> Studies summarising COVID-19 mitigation strategies designed and implemented by radiotherapy centres in LMICs to avoid delays, deferrments and interruptions of radiotherapy services are lacking. <h4>Materials: </h4> and Methods: A systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis guideline. Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE and CINAHL were searched for peer-reviewed articles that reported measures adopted by radiotherapy centres in LMICs to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Information on different strategies were extracted from the included studies and textual narrative synthesis was conducted. <h4>Results: </h4>: Of the 60 articles retrieved, eleven were included. Majority of the studies were conducted in China. Ten of the included studies employed a qualitative design. Four themes were identified: preparing and equipping staff; reinforcing infection prevention and control policies; strengthening coordination and communication; and maintaining physical distancing. Studies reported that radiotherapy centres have: formed COVID-19 response multidisciplinary team; maximised the use of telehealth; adjusted the layout of waiting areas; divided staff into teams; dedicated a room for isolating suspected cases; and adopted triage systems. <h4>Conclusions: </h4>: Local adaptation of established global strategies coupled with timely development of guidelines, flexibility and innovation have allowed radiotherapy leaders to continue to deliver radiotherapy services to cancer patients in LMICs during the COVID-19 crisis. Robust and quality data collection must be encouraged in LMICs to provide an evidence-based knowledge for use in the event of another pandemic.
dc.language	en
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.21203/rs.3.rs-174503/v1
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.title	Novel coronavirus mitigation measures implemented by radiotherapy centres in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review
dc.type	Journal Article
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/IMPACCT
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.date.updated	2022-02-08T09:44:07Z
pubs.publication-status	Published

Abstract:

Aim:

To identify strategies adopted by radiotherapy centres in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.

Background:

Studies summarising COVID-19 mitigation strategies designed and implemented by radiotherapy centres in LMICs to avoid delays, deferrments and interruptions of radiotherapy services are lacking.

Materials:

and Methods: A systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis guideline. Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE and CINAHL were searched for peer-reviewed articles that reported measures adopted by radiotherapy centres in LMICs to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Information on different strategies were extracted from the included studies and textual narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results:

: Of the 60 articles retrieved, eleven were included. Majority of the studies were conducted in China. Ten of the included studies employed a qualitative design. Four themes were identified: preparing and equipping staff; reinforcing infection prevention and control policies; strengthening coordination and communication; and maintaining physical distancing. Studies reported that radiotherapy centres have: formed COVID-19 response multidisciplinary team; maximised the use of telehealth; adjusted the layout of waiting areas; divided staff into teams; dedicated a room for isolating suspected cases; and adopted triage systems.

Conclusions:

: Local adaptation of established global strategies coupled with timely development of guidelines, flexibility and innovation have allowed radiotherapy leaders to continue to deliver radiotherapy services to cancer patients in LMICs during the COVID-19 crisis. Robust and quality data collection must be encouraged in LMICs to provide an evidence-based knowledge for use in the event of another pandemic.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/154305