The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physicians Managing Breast Cancer Patients in Saudi Arabia

Webinar on 17^th International Conference on Clinical & Medical Case Reports

March 17-18, 2022 | Webinar

Ghaida H Alotaibi

Taif University, Saudi Arabia

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Journal of Clinical Case Reports

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 dealing with breast cancer patients in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done from May- October 2020 among physicians practicing in different regions of Saudi Arabia using an online-based (electronic) survey form. The questionnaire included items on physicians’ sociodemographic and work details, barriers faced with breast cancer patients, concerns and satisfaction with breast cancer patients’ management, and the protocol they follow. Results: A total of 317 physicians participated in this study. Most of them faced difficulties in managing breast cancer patients during this pandemic. 77.3% reported that they diagnosed at least one breast cancer case. Many patients missed chemotherapy sessions, and approximately half of the centers indicated that at least one session was missed by more than 10 percent of their patients. 83% of the physicians were satisfied with their management of breast cancer patients, and 73% confirmed that they were always following a specific protocol in that management. Conclusion: The study’s findings show that the active COVID-19 pandemic had led to a more stressful situation among physicians, which has affected the 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 availability of effective vaccination and more understating of COVID-19, we think that breast cancer operations should be performed on its scheduled date.

Biography :

Ghaida Alotaibi, self-motivated medical intern at Taif University, Saudi Arabia. Researcher, leader and self-development.