Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on care of melanoma patients in Berlin, Germany: the Mela-COVID survey

Teuscher M, Diehl K, Schaarschmidt ML, Weilandt J, Sasama B, Ohletz J, Konnecke A, Harth W, Hillen U, Peitsch WK (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

European Journal of Dermatology John Libbey Eurotext

Book Volume: 31

Pages Range: 521-529

Journal Issue: 4

DOI: 10.1684/ejd.2021.4098

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic imposes major challenges for care of cancer patients. Objectives: Our aim was to assess the effects of the pandemic on treatment and appointments of patients with malignant melanoma based on a large skin cancer centre in Berlin, Germany, and identify reasons for, and impact factors associated with these changes. Materials & Methods: Patients with melanoma treated from January 1st 2019 received a postal survey with questions on impairment due to the pandemic, fear of COVID-19, fear of melanoma, changes in therapy and/or appointments, including reasons for the changes. Impact factors on postponed/missed appointments were examined using descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The response rate was 41.3% (n = 324; 57.4% males; mean age: 67.9 years). Among 104 participants currently receiving therapy, four (3.8%) reported treatment changes due to the pandemic. Postponements or cancellations of appointments occurred in 48 participants (14.8%), most frequently, at their own request (81.3%) due to fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection (68.8%). Current treatment was associated with a reduced chance of postponing/missing appointments (OR = 0.208, p = 0.003), whereas a high or very high level of concern for COVID-19 (OR = 6.806, p = 0.034; OR = 10.097, p = 0.038), SARS-CoV-2 infection among close acquaintances (OR = 4.251, p = 0.026), anxiety disorder (OR = 5.465, p = 0.016) and AJCC stage IV (OR = 3.108, p = 0.048) were associated with a higher likelihood of postponing/missing appointments. Conclusion: Among our participants, treatment changes were rare and the proportion of missed/delayed appointments was rather small. The main reasons for delays/cancellations of appointments were anxiety and concern for COVID-19.

Authors with CRIS profile

Katharina Diehl

Involved external institutions

Vivantes - Netzwerk für Gesundheit GmbH DE Germany (DE) Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Teuscher, M., Diehl, K., Schaarschmidt, M.-L., Weilandt, J., Sasama, B., Ohletz, J.,... Peitsch, W.K. (2021). Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on care of melanoma patients in Berlin, Germany: the Mela-COVID survey. European Journal of Dermatology, 31(4), 521-529. https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2021.4098

MLA:

Teuscher, Miriam, et al. "Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on care of melanoma patients in Berlin, Germany: the Mela-COVID survey." European Journal of Dermatology 31.4 (2021): 521-529.

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