New Office Visit Protocols for Ovarian Cancer Patients During COVID

"There are a lot of challenges that we're [facing] when we care for ovarian cancer patients in the current time, including fears and concerns with COVID-19," says Dr. Alpa Nick, gynecologic oncologist with Tennessee Oncology. "Patients have to think about exposure risks when they leave their home. So, in our practice, one thing that we’re doing is making sure that appointments are appropriately spaced, so patients can [be socially distanced] from other patients in the office.

More Screenings, but Fewer Visitors

"We’re also doing pre-screening calls with patients, so if there are any concerns [about] COVID-19 we can direct them to get tested before coming to the clinic, where they could potentially be exposed to other patients. Then, when they arrive at the clinic, they’re screened with questions that would identify those who could be at increased risk for having COVID-19. Their temperature is taken. They’re also given a face mask to wear if they haven’t brought one with them," Nick says.

"One of the other things that we’re unfortunately having to do as well is limit visitors within the office." So patients who would normally be allowed to bring any number of family members or friends for their visit are now limited to one person in the exam room with them. "And we are not allowing any visitors in the infusion center while patients are getting their chemotherapy," Nick adds.

How Cancer Treatment Is Being Affected

One complicating factor is that while knowledge of COVID-19 is still unfolding, many cancer treatments can't wait until more is known. "Unfortunately, cancer is a disease that, in many cases, we would consider urgent, so many patients are going to have to continue their cancer treatment," one oncologist told SurvivorNet.

In some cases, treatments for ovarian cancer will continue exactly as they did before the pandemic, with scheduled surgeries that are considered essential proceeding as planned, and chemotherapy drugs administered as usual but with specific precautions in place. In other cases, for instance, surgery may temporarily be postponed and chemotherapy given first until it's safer to undergo a procedure. Again, these are ongoing conversations between patients and their providers, and treatment protocols will depend on a patient's personal situation.

The important thing to remember is that despite the changes to cancer care necessitated by the pandemic, and the fact that many patients may have to check in with their doctors via tele-health visits at least temporarily, the oncologists SurvivorNet regularly consults assure us that cancer care isn't being compromised.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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