Objectives
The aim of the research was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient turnover and the change in patient and medical delay.
Methods
Retrospective study was performed in Veszprém County Lung Medical Institute, in Hungary. Between 01.01.2016-31.12.2020 active and chronic inpatient turnover data related to the care of patients with primary lung cancer, changes in patient and medical delay time were examined. Descriptive statistical analyses were applied (mean, standard deviation, absolute and relative frequency).
Results
Between 2016 and 2019, total inpatient turnover ranged from 4,535 to 4,282 cases, which decreased to 3,167 in 2020. In the area of active inpatient care, the number of 3,141-3,052 cases decreased to 2,787 in 2020. The number of chronic inpatient care ranged from 1,492 to 1,327, which decreased to 380 cases in 2020. On a monthly basis, the higher number of cases occurred from September to November and until January between 2016 and 2019 (281-438 cases) while in 2020, the data of previous years decreased significantly (197-270 cases). The mean patient delay (62 cases) in the first (I) quarter (before constraints) was 39.34±53.42 days, 37.24±45.69 days in the second (II.) quarter (41 cases), 28.75±33.0 days (44 cases) in the third (III.) quarter, in the fourth (IV.) quarter 47.96±70.2 days (24 cases). The duration of the examination showed a decreasing trend (I.:53.47±36.5; II.:50.54±45.73; III.:48,91±46,44; IV:32±22,41 days). The time from diagnosis to the start of therapy also decreased (I.:19.27±21.61; II.:17.76 ± 17.03; III.:16.8±17.12; IV.:14.33±19.19).
Conclusions
Restrictions due to the pandemic show a significant reduction in the number of patients. Patients treated in previous years were diagnosed and treated at the appropriate time. However, our results indicate that some patients have not entered the care system, which may significantly affect the prognosis of their disease.