AVBCC COVID-19 Webcast Series Coverage

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the elimination of several restrictions on telehealth and infusion therapy in the home setting. In this webcast, a panel of experts discuss the short- and long-term prospects for in-home infusion for patients with cancer. What are the benefits and drawbacks?

As we learn more about the complicated behavior of the COVID-19 virus, we have come to understand that overactivation of the patient’s own immune system can often be the most dangerous factor. In this webcast, top cancer experts discuss the latest studies investigating using anti-cancer therapies as treatments for COVID-19. What are some of the options and where does the research stand today?

Telehealth (or telemedicine) has emerged as an essential component of healthcare during the COVID-19 crisis. In a recent webcast of the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC), a panel of experts discussed the current benefits and ongoing challenges of this technology, as well as its potential impact on patients and practices in the years to come.

The COVID-19 crisis has far-reaching implications for research in healthcare. A panel of experts explored the detrimental effects of the pandemic on the career development of research students, potential changes in the availability of clinical trials, and the anticipated shortfall of future funding for healthcare research. The session was moderated by Rob Butcher, Chief Executive Officer, Swim Across America, a charity that raises money for cancer research and funds 57 laboratories around the country.

The federal government is an active participant in shaping and delivering healthcare policy. The panelists in this session addressed the government’s response to COVID-19 and weighed in on some of the issues that their agencies frequently encountered as medical practices grapple with the new normal.

Nurses are on the front lines like no other healthcare personnel. In this panel, distinguished nursing professionals discussed topics and issues that have arisen during the pandemic. Led by healthcare educator Lillie D. Shockney, the comprehensive panel covered some of the myriad issues nurse navigators confront now, including rising cancer rates in an aging population, and a decline in numbers of oncology nurses and oncologists.

The Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC) webcast was introduced by Dr Zweigenhaft, Founder of AVBCC, who assembled an exceptional group of experts from across the country to discuss the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on the healthcare industry. After a few quick welcoming remarks to allow more time for the fast-moving presentations, Dr Zweigenhaft introduced Dr Hudis, who briefly presented ASCO’s outlook on the crisis.

Mr Slotnik opened the session with an inside look at Washington, addressing some of the changes to oncology care policies and operations from the COVID-19 pandemic. He outlined a quick overview of the initiatives from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), including new guidelines and the easing of some restrictions on physicians’ options for telemedicine.

Up to 65% of cancer care is delivered via community cancer centers that are not part of a hospital or academic center. These centers are feeling the impact of COVID-19 as the pandemic reshapes the way these facilities provide care to patients.

According to the NCCN, an alliance of 30 leading academic cancer centers in the United States, the data suggest that although patients with cancer are not more susceptible to infection from the new coronavirus than other people, they do have much worse outcomes. “Prevention is thus the key for oncology patients,” Dr Carlson said.