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MONDAY, June 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Despite adoption of enhanced safety measures, radiation oncologists have seen a drop in patient volumes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the results of a survey released May 20 by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).<\/p>\n
ASTRO conducted an online survey of radiation oncologists across the United States to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their clinics. The analysis included 222 physician leaders of radiation oncology practices (62 percent private practice\/community-based), with responses collected April 16 to 30, 2020.<\/p>\n
The researchers found that more than two-thirds of practices (69 percent) experienced shortages of personal protective equipment. In response to the pandemic, the vast majority of clinics (99 percent) have staff routinely wearing masks; 98 percent screen patients at the door and have adopted social distancing measures; 95 percent have increased clinic sterilization and cleaning; and 91 percent screen staff before each shift. The vast majority of practices (89 percent) now offer telemedicine for patient visits. However, patient volume decreased substantially following the COVID-19 outbreak, with 55 percent reporting seeing 61 to 80 percent of their typical patient volume. Forty-three percent of respondents reported revenue has decreased by 21 to 30 percent, while 12 percent reported a revenue decrease of more than 51 percent.<\/p>\n
“Although COVID-19 has presented us with unprecedented challenges and forced us to think anew, our goals as radiation oncologists remain unaltered,” Theodore L. DeWeese, M.D., chair of the ASTRO board, said in a statement. “We stand resilient and ready to care for our patients, today and always.”<\/p>\n