The report provides a view to the future and what will be needed to reduce the backlog of patients and to resume services effectively, taking into account the ‘new normal’ and the likelihood that COVID-19 will continue to be present even when the pandemic is over. It considers how we can do this effectively and acknowledges the value of technology and innovations in diagnosis and treatment which are currently being developed, and how they can help to ensure that services are rebuilt more effectively. Awareness campaigns, telemedicine, primary and community care, and collaboration will also be of ongoing critical importance.
The report also finds that the opportunity to use the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to accelerate positive change is universally recognised.
Exhibit 1: Oncologists' Caseload Percentage Caseload vs Pre-COVID-19 Phase