Feasibility and predictive performance of a triage system for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS: A self-report questionnaire has a low positive predictive value to triage patients with cancer and suspected SARS-CoV-2 symptoms. Differential diagnosis with tumor- or treatment-related symptoms is always required to avoid unnecessary delays. Body temperature measurement improves the triage process's overall sensitivity, and widespread SARS-CoV-2 testing should be implemented to identify asymptomatic carriers.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This is the first study to provide data on the predictive performance of a triage system in the oncological setting during the COVID-19 outbreak. A questionnaire-based triage has a low positive predictive value to triage patients with cancer and suspected SARS-CoV-2 symptoms, and a differential diagnosis with tumor- or treatment-related symptoms is mandatory to avoid unnecessary treatment delays. Consequently, adequate recourses should be reallocated for a triage implementation in the oncological setting. Of note, body temperature measurement improves the triage process's overall sensitivity, and widespread testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection should be implemented to identify asymptomatic carriers.
PMID: 33539583 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: The Oncologist - February 4, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Fasola G, Pelizzari G, Zara D, Targato G, Petruzzellis G, Minisini AM, Bin A, Donato R, Mansutti M, Comuzzi C, Candoni A, Sperotto A, Fanin R Tags: Oncologist Source Type: research