COVID-19 und die Onkologie: agiles Patientenmanagement: Reorganisation der radioonkologischen Versorgung am Universitätsklinikum Köln

At the Radiation Oncology Department at the University Hospital of Cologne workflows and key procedures were remodelled during the COVID-19 pandemic. The treatment facility is closely located to the first German hotspot region Heinsberg. During the 2021 German flood disaster the hospital engaged in building treatment synergies to continue cancer care that was initiated in destroyed regional facilities. Test and quarantine methods were implemented early to safely, successfully and effectively continue primary oncology care throughout the SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks at a maximum care provider. By actively managing patient appointments and therapy processes in multiprofessional teams, initiation and continuation of indicated radiation diagnostics and treatments were preferred over cancelling or deferring essential care. We here report on our active strategies to optimize the infrastructure utilization, increase treatment quality and avoid financial imbalance in times of reduced medical infrastructure capacities and ressources due to a global socio-economic health crisis.