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Corrales, Luis-Alberto

Mayo Clinic

Oncology Department, Hospital San Juan de Dios, San José Costa Rica, Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica;

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Impact of COVID-19 on work-related fatigue and satisfaction among oncology providers in Latin America: An analysis of the HOLA COVID-19 study.
Mañana, Ana I. Velazquez, Ramirez, Carolina Bernabe, Bergerot, Paulo Gustavo , Adaniel, Christina , Ramírez, Francisca, Mesias, Jesus Del Santo Anampa, Cajina, Carmen, Mena, Evelin, Menendez, Alvaro G. , Bezares, Raimundo, Duran, Liseth Duque, Corrales, Luis-Alberto, Duma, Narjust , Bernabe, Carolina , Olazagasti, Coral , Soto-Perez-de-Celis, Enrique , Corona-Cruz, José Francisco , Riaño, Ivy , Gracia, Elías , Castillo, O. , Bergerot, Cristiane Decat

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 2, 2021 | Volume: 39 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 11014-11014

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.11014 Get It

11014 Background: The well-being of oncology providers (OP) is in jeopardy with increasing workload, limited resources, and personal challenges that result from the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on work-related (WR) satisfaction and fatigue among OP in Latin America. Methods: We conducted an international cross-sectional online survey of OP practicing in Latin America. The survey was administered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: In August 2020, 704 OP from 20 Latin American countries completed the survey (77% of 913 who started the survey). Table outlines baseline characteristics. Higher frequency of WR fatigue (67% vs. 58%, p=0.010) and exhaustion (81% vs. 70%, p=0.001) were reported by OP who cared for patients with COVID-19, compared to OP who cared for patients without COVID-19. Providers that observed delays in referrals to radiation (p=0.002) and surgery (p=0.04) reported WR fatigue at higher rates than their counterparts. Higher exhaustion (p=0.016) and dissatisfaction (p=0.046) were reported by OP who lacked access to supportive services, as social work. A significantly higher proportion of women reported WR fatigue (72% vs. 56%, p=0.003) and exhaustion (86% vs. 68%, p=0.001), when compared to men. Women were more likely than men to endorse higher current levels of fatigue when compared to pre-COVID-19 (61% vs. 46%, p=0.0001). To reduce stress, women were more likely than men to cut the time spent watching the news (p=0.002). Both genders declined research collaborations and speaking opportunities. Conclusions: Fatigue and dissatisfaction with work-life were prevalent among OP in Latin America. Higher rates of WR fatigue were seen in women, OP caring for patients with COVID-19, and OP with patients who experienced cancer care delays. Our data imply that OP may be a prime target for psychosocial support, particularly as current challenges will continue for the foreseen future. Baseline characteristics (N=704).[Table: see text]