Chronological development of in-patient oncology in times of COVID-19: a retrospective analysis of hospitalized oncology and COVID-19 patients of a German University Hospital

PURPOSE: The goal of this study is to examine the chronological development of hospitalized oncology and COVID-19 patients, and compare effects on oncology sub-disciplines for pre-pandemic (2017–19) and pandemic (2020–21) years in the setting of a German university maximum care provider. METHODS: Data were retrospectively retrieved from the hospital performance controlling system for patient collectives with oncological main (n(Onco)) and COVID-19 secondary diagnosis (n(COVID-19)). Data analysis is based on descriptive statistical assessment. RESULTS: The oncology patient collective (n(Onco) = 27,919) shows a decrease of hospitalized patients for the whole pandemic (− 4% for 2020 and − 2,5% for 2021 to 2019). The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients increases from first to second pandemic year by + 106.71% (n(COVID-19) = 868). Maximum decline in monthly hospitalized oncology patients amounts to − 19% (May 2020) during the first and − 21% (December 2020) during the second lockdown. Relative monthly hospitalization levels of oncology patients reverted to pre-pandemic levels from February 2021 onwards. CONCLUSION: The results confirm a decline in hospitalized oncology patients for the entire pandemic in the setting of a maximum care provider. Imposed lockdown and contact restrictions, rising COVID-19 case numbers, as well as discovery of new virus variants have a negative impact on hospitalized treated oncological patients.