The Effect of COVID-19 on Oncology Care for Adolescents and Young Adults in Latin America

Wong S.L.; Johnston E.; Rossell N.; Malogolowkin M.; Rios L.; García W.G.; Antillon-Klussmann F.; Fu L.; Fuentes-Alabi S.; Delgado K.Q.; Morales D.O.; Rodriguez-Loza C.; Apesoa-Varano E.C.; Friedrich P.; Alvarez E. · Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (2024) · DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0140

Resumen

Children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but little is known about how adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer were affected. Sixty-seven physicians and nonphysician providers were interviewed about their experiences caring for AYAs with cancer in Latin America. Quotes related to the COVID-19 pandemic were identified and grouped into themes. Barriers from the COVID-19 pandemic included limited space, restrictions on travel, reduced funding, limited staff, limited services, and changes to treatment. However, improvements to care that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic included better access to distance learning and telemedicine. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.