Allied Heath Professional Support in Adult Neuro-oncology; Before and During COVID

AIMS: To understand the current levels of Allied Health Professional (AHP) provision within adult neuro-oncology in the UK, gain insight into perceived gaps and any impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this provision, from the Health Care Professional’s (HCP) perspective. METHOD: In collaboration with brainstrust (a brain tumour charity) and the author, a mixed-methods, on-line survey of HCPs working within adult neuro-oncology was designed, tested and distributed to HCPs registered on the charity’s HCP database. Quantitative data was analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: 51 HCPs from multiple roles and teams across the UK responded. 66% (34) reported a service delivery gap, including a lack of specialist AHP support, with high geographical variability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 60.8% (31) respondents identified a reduction in access to AHP support. 58.8% (30) respondents reported a change in appointment modality, with an increase in telephone and video appointments and a decrease in face-to-face appointments and home visits. This modality change was highlighted as a possible cause of reduced HCP awareness of symptom progression that was also reported. CONCLUSION: There is paucity of data regarding AHP provision within adult neuro-oncology and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this provision. This study highlights concerns regarding overall specialist AHP support which reduced further during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact on patients is unknown and highlights a need for further research to inform development of national guidelines for specialist AHP provision and the use of telehealth for this complex patient group.