scholarly journals COVID-19 Vaccine Readiness Among Acute-Care Registered Nurses in New Jersey: Results of a Statewide Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s55-s55
Author(s):  
Monika Pogorzelska-Maziarz ◽  
Mary Lou Manning ◽  
Angela Gerolamo ◽  
Mary Johansen ◽  
Irina Grafova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Jersey ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Registered Nurses ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
The State ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fda Approval ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Seriously Ill

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine is an important intervention to control the COVID-19 pandemic. As the most trusted profession integral to providing care to patients across all care settings, nurses play a critical role in educating patients regarding the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. However, little is known about the readiness of registered nurses (RNs) to receive the vaccine. Methods: In October 2020, prior to FDA approval of vaccines, we conducted a cross-sectional electronic survey of all active registered nurses in the state of New Jersey. The eligibility criteria included providing direct patient care in a New Jersey hospital in an emergency or an adult inpatient unit during the emergence of COVID-19 (March 2020). Results: In total, 3,027 RNs completed the survey (15% response rate). When asked whether they plan to get vaccinated, 27% of RNs responded yes, 30% responded no, and 43% were undecided. Among those RNs who reported that they were planning to get vaccinated, their main reasons for their willingness to receive the vaccine included (1) wanting to protect themselves and their families (95%), (2) wanting to protect the community at large (76%), wanting to protect their patients (75%), the belief that life won’t get back to normal until most people are vaccinated (72%), and the belief that getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid getting seriously ill from COVID-19 (67%). The main reasons reported for not planning to or being undecided about getting vaccinated included the belief that the vaccine will likely be developed too quickly to be safe (81%) and concern about the side effects from the vaccine (74%). RNs also reported being in a low-risk group for becoming seriously ill (12%) and having had COVID-19 (8%) as reasons for planning not to get vaccinated. In open-ended responses, participants also discussed several additional issues driving vaccine hesitancy: their lack of trust in the political process, planning to become pregnant or currently pregnant or breastfeeding, questions about effectiveness of the vaccine and long-term side effects, and the need for more information before making a decision. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study of all acute-care RNs in the State of New Jersey was conducted prior to the FDA approval of COVID-19 vaccines. The results outline factors driving vaccine hesitancy among RNs. Although vaccine efficacy data and approval by the FDA may have alleviated some of these fears, immunization programs for healthcare workers and the public should focus on dispelling myths about vaccine development and side effects.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

scholarly journals COVID-19 Vaccine Perceptions and Differences by Sex, Age, and Education in 1,367 Community Adults in Ontario

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina K. Syan ◽  
Mahmood R. Gohari ◽  
Emily E. Levitt ◽  
Kyla Belisario ◽  
Jessica Gillard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Online Assessment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
To Receive

Background: COVID-19 is a global pandemic and vaccination efforts may be impeded by vaccine hesitancy. The present study examined willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the associated reasons for willingness/unwillingness, and vaccine safety perceptions in a cross-sectional assessment of community adults in Ontario.Methods: One thousand three hundred sixty seven individuals (60.6% female, mean age = 37.5%) participated in this study between January 15, 2021 and February 15, 2021. Perceptions of vaccine safety and reasons for willingness/unwillingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine were investigated using an online assessment. Perceptions were investigated in general and by age, sex and education using analysis of variance.Results: Overall, 82.8% of the sample reported they were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and 17.2% reported they were unwilling. The three most common reasons for unwillingness were long-term side effects (65.5%), immediate side effects (60.5%), and lack of trust in the vaccine (55.2%). Vaccine willingness significantly differed by sex and education level, with female participants and those with less than a bachelor's degree being more likely to report unwillingness. Perception of COVID-19 vaccine safety was significantly lower (−10.3%) than vaccines in general and differed by age, sex and education, with females, older adults, and individuals with less than a bachelor's degree reporting lower perceived COVID-19 vaccine safety.Conclusion: In this sample of community adults, the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rate was less than one in five individuals, but with higher rates in population subgroups. Targeting public health messaging to females and individuals with less than bachelor's degree, and addressing concerns about long-term and immediate side effects may increase vaccine uptake.

scholarly journals International attitudes on COVID-19 vaccination: repeat national cross-sectional surveys across 15 countries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Fernandez Crespo ◽  
Manar Shafat ◽  
Natalie Melas-Kyriazi ◽  
Lisa J Gould ◽  
Sarah Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
The Public ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Outcomes Measures ◽  
Short Time ◽  
To Receive ◽  
At Home

Objective: To examine the general publics views around willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccines and concerns regarding their safety. Design: Repeat cross-sectional surveys. Setting: Online surveys in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom Participants: National samples of adults aged 18 years and above in November 2020 and January 2021. Main outcomes measures: The proportion of adults reporting: willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccination; concern regarding side-effects from vaccinations; concerns over contraction COVID-19, and beliefs around vaccine provision in their country. Changes between the November and January surveys are also reported. Results: Across the 15 countries, the proportion of respondents reporting they would have the COVID-19 vaccine increased from 40.7% (range: 25.0-55.1) to 55.2% (range: 34.8-77.5), proportion reporting worried about the side-effects of vaccine decreased from 53.3% (range: 42.1-66.7) to 47.9% (range: 28.0-66.1). On the second survey, willingness to receive vaccine remained low in females (49.4%, range: 30.2-79.1), aged 18-39 years (42.1%, range: 25.9-71.7), those not working or unemployed (48.9, range: 18.8-67.0), students (45.9%, range: 22.8-70.0), and those with children at home (46.5%, range: 32.4-68.9). Concerns regarding safety of vaccine remained high in females (53.7%, range: 31.8-70.4), aged 18-39 years (50.8%, range: 28.2-60.7), aged 40-64 years (51.3%, range: 30.7-68.5), those working (50.5%, range: 26.7-65.0), those not working or unemployed (53.3, range: 35.4-73.8) and those with children at home (55.8%, range: 36.5-64.7). Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy decreased considerably over a relatively short time coinciding with the discovery of effective vaccines. The public remain concerned about their safety, and public health messaging will need to emphasis their safety especially amongst females, parents and younger adults.

scholarly journals Willingness to Receive the COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza Vaccines among the Saudi Population and Vaccine Uptake During the Initial Stage of the National Vaccination Campaign: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 765
Author(s):  
Amel Ahmed Fayed ◽  
Abeer Salem Al Shahrani ◽  
Leenah Tawfiq Almanea ◽  
Nardeen Ibrahim Alsweed ◽  
Layla Mohammed Almarzoug ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Influenza Vaccines ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
To Receive

This study aimed to assess the willingness to receive the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and seasonal influenza vaccines and vaccine uptake during the early stage of the national vaccination campaign in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among adult Saudis between 20 January and 20 March 2021. The questionnaire addressed vaccine hesitancy, perceived risk, willingness, and vaccine uptake. Approximately 39% of the participants expressed vaccine hesitancy, and 29.8% and 24% felt highly vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, respectively. The majority (59.5%) were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, although only 31.7% were willing to receive the flu vaccine. Adjusted analysis showed that vaccine hesitancy (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.27–0.43) and the perception of being at high risk (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.68–4.60) independently affected the intention to be vaccinated. Vaccine hesitancy was similar among those who were willing to be vaccinated (29.8%) and those who had already been vaccinated (33.1%). The perceived risk was significantly higher among those who had been vaccinated (48.1%) than among those who were willing to be vaccinated but had not yet been vaccinated (29.1%). In conclusion, the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia is high. Saudis who received the vaccine had a similar level of vaccine hesitancy and a higher level of perceived risk.

scholarly journals Adenovirus and RNA-based COVID-19 vaccines’ perceptions and acceptance among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia: a national survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e048586
Author(s):  
Mohamad-Hani Temsah ◽  
Mazin Barry ◽  
Fadi Aljamaan ◽  
Abdullah Alhuzaimi ◽  
Ayman Al-Eyadhy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Vectored Vaccine ◽  
To Receive

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the perception, confidence, hesitancy and acceptance rate of various COVID-19 vaccine types among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia, a nation with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus experience.DesignNational cross-sectional, pilot-validated questionnaire.SettingOnline, self-administered questionnaire among HCWs.ParticipantsA total of 2007 HCWs working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated; 1512 (75.3%) participants completed the survey and were included in the analysis.InterventionData were collected through an online survey sent to HCWs during 1–15 November 2020. The main outcome measure was HCW acceptance of COVID-19 candidate vaccines. The associated factors of vaccination acceptance were identified through a logistic regression analysis and via measurement of the level of anxiety, using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 scale.ResultsAmong the 1512 HCWs who were included, 62.4% were women, 70.3% were between 21 and 40 years of age, and the majority (62.2%) were from tertiary hospitals. In addition, 59.5% reported knowing about at least one vaccine; 24.4% of the participants were sure about their willingness to receive the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, and 20.9% were willing to receive the RNA BNT162b2 vaccine. However, 18.3% reported that they would refuse to receive the Ad5-vectored vaccine, and 17.9% would refuse the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine. Factors that influenced the differential readiness of HCWs included their perceptions of the vaccine’s efficiency in preventing the infection (33%), their personal preferences (29%) and the vaccine’s manufacturing country (28.6%).ConclusionsAwareness by HCWs of the several COVID-19 candidate vaccines could improve their perceptions and acceptance of vaccination. Reliable sources on vaccine efficiency could improve vaccine uptake, so healthcare authorities should use reliable information to decrease vaccine hesitancy among frontline healthcare providers.

scholarly journals Acceptance Rates and Beliefs toward COVID-19 Vaccination among the General Population of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farah Yasmin ◽  
Waleed Asghar ◽  
Maryam Salma Babar ◽  
Hiba Khan ◽  
Shoaib Ahmad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Polio Vaccination ◽  
Acceptance Rates ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Do So

Developing countries like Pakistan have previously suffered from barriers to acceptance of vaccination by the public because of financial and belief barriers. This study aims to explore these beliefs and highlight concerns regarding vaccine hesitancy in the general population of Pakistan since they are a hindrance to an effective coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) immunization in the country. A cross-sectional study was performed involving 1,778 participants from all four provinces of Pakistan. Results from the study showed more than half of the participants to be unsure of the safety (50%) and efficacy (51%) of the vaccine, whereas 42% were concerned about the side effects of the vaccine. About 72% of the respondents planned to get vaccinated, whereas 28% refused to do so. Internationally made imported vaccines were more trusted by the participants. Forty-four percent of the participants agreed to receive the vaccine upon recommendation from a physician. Lastly, participants who believed in the efficacy of the polio vaccination also considered the COVID-19 vaccine to be safe and effective.

scholarly journals 1172. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Hesitancy in Caregivers of Hospitalized Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S677-S677
Author(s):  
Marisa Orbea ◽  
Rachel Cunningham ◽  
C Mary Healy ◽  
Julie A Boom ◽  
Claire Bocchini
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Hospitalized Children ◽  
Parent Attitudes ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Childhood Vaccines ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy (VH) is hindering nationwide vaccination efforts; little is known about caregiver SARS-CoV-2 vaccine acceptance for children. We aimed to identify associations with SARS-CoV-2 VH in caregivers of hospitalized children. Methods We conducted a prospective cross-sectional survey in English and Spanish of caregiver COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and associated VH among hospitalized children 6 months - 18 years at a large pediatric medical institution. Parents were approached daily, averaging 4-5 days/week, from 12/8/2020--4/5/2021. VH was assessed using the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey; PACV score ≥50 denoted VH. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used. Responses were categorized. Results 295/307 (96%) of approached caregivers enrolled; 79% were ≥ 30 years, 68% were married/ living with a partner, and 57% had at least some college. 36% identified as white, 19% Black, and 46% Hispanic/ Latino. 53% of caregiver children had public insurance. 91% of caregivers self-reported their children were up to date with routine vaccines. 17% of caregivers were vaccine-hesitant overall. 50% of caregivers were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccine themselves. Figure 1 shows intention to vaccinate their child by PACV score. 65% knew someone who was hospitalized for COVID-19. 67% were scared of their child getting COVID-19. However, 49% were scared of their child getting the vaccine, 28% did not want to vaccinate their child and 27% were neutral in the intention to vaccinate their child. Caregivers who did not intend to vaccinate their child were more likely to be Black (27% vs. 16%, p=0.04) and less likely to be Hispanic/ Latino (33% vs. 49%, p=0.02). Table 1 shows attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine in caregivers who did or did not intend to vaccinate their child. Figure 1 COVID-19 vaccine uptake by PACV score Table 1 Caregiver attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccine Conclusion The majority of caregivers believe that SARS-CoV-2 vaccine will help control the pandemic, but less than half plan to vaccinate their children. A quarter of caregivers expressed uncertainty regarding the vaccine and therefore may be amenable to education and discussion. COVID-19 VH is different from VH towards routine vaccinations. More research is needed to address COVID-19 specific VH. Disclosures C. Mary Healy, MD, Dexcom (Shareholder)Intuitive (Shareholder)Quidel Corporation (Shareholder)Up to Date (Other Financial or Material Support, Honorarium)Vapotherm (Shareholder)

scholarly journals Nursing students' attitudes, knowledge, and willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ning Jiang ◽  
Baojian Wei ◽  
Hua Lin ◽  
Youjuan Wang ◽  
Shouxia Chai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Academic Background ◽  
To Receive

Aim: To investigate nursing students' konwledge, attitudes and willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and the influencing factors. Background: Vaccination is one of the effective measures to prevent COVID-19, but the vaccination acceptance varies across countries and populations. As reserve nurses, nursing students have both the professionalism of medical personnel and the special characteristics of school students, their attitudes, knowledge, and willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine may greatly affect the vaccine acceptance of the population now and in the future. But little research has been done on vaccine acceptance among nursing students. Design: A cross-sectional survey of nursing students was conducted via online questionnaires in March 2021. Methods: Descriptive statistics, independent sample t tests/one-way ANOVA (normal distribution), Mann-Whitney U tests/Kruskal-Wallis H tests (skewness distribution) and multivariate linear regression were performed. Results: The score rate of attitude, knowledge and vaccination willingness were 70.07%, 80.70% and 84.38% respectively. Attitude was significantly influenced by family economic conditions and whether a family member had been vaccinated. The main factors influencing knowledge were gender, grade and academic background. In terms of willingness, gender, academic background, visits to risk areas, whether family members were vaccinated, and whether they had side effects were significant influencing factors. Conclusions: The vaccine acceptance of nursing students was fair. Greater focus needed to be placed on the males, those of younger age, with a science background, and having low grades, as well as on students whose family members had not received the COVID-19 vaccine or had side effects from the vaccine. Targeted intervention strategies were recommended to improve vaccination rates.

Influenza Vaccination Among Registered Nurses: Information Receipt, Knowledge, and Decision-Making at an Institution With a Multifaceted Educational Program

2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cori L. Ofstead ◽  
Sharon J. Tucker ◽  
Timothy J. Beebe ◽  
Gregory A. Poland
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Registered Nurses ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
To Receive

Objective.To evaluate the receipt of information and knowledge about influenza and vaccination, as well as influenza vaccination status and reasons for declining vaccination, among registered nurses.Design.Cross-sectional survey of registered nurses (RNs).Setting.A large tertiary medical center with a long-standing, multifaceted influenza vaccination program and relatively high vaccination rates among employees overall (76.5%).Participants.Randomly selected group of 990 RNs employed as inpatient staff nurses at the institution.Results.The survey was completed by 513 (51.8%) of 990 RNs. Most RNs (86.7%) had received an influenza vaccination in the past, and 331 (64.5%) intended to receive vaccination during the 2005-2006 influenza season. More than 90% of RNs acknowledged exposure to educational bulletins, and most had received information about influenza severity (383 [74.7%]), transmission (398 [77.6%]), vaccine safety (416 [81.1%]), and the time and location of free vaccination (460 [89.7%]). A majority (436 [85.0%]) felt they had received all the information they needed to make good decisions about vaccination. However, only 49 RNs (9.6%) gave correct answers to more than 85% of the knowledge questions on the survey. The reasons most frequently reported for declining vaccination were doubts about the risk of influenza and the need for vaccination, concerns about vaccine effectiveness and side effects, and dislike of injections.Conclusions.RNs exposed to a longstanding, multifaceted educational program had received information about influenza vaccination, but misconceptions were common and only 331 (64.5%) intended to receive vaccination. Strategies other than educational interventions are needed to increase influenza vaccination rates and thereby to ensure healthcare worker and patient safety.

scholarly journals 2480. Communication During Patient Transfers: Describing Gaps in the Infectious Status Information Pipeline

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S859-S859
Author(s):  
Jeanmarie Mayer ◽  
Roberta Horth ◽  
Madison Todd ◽  
Randon Gruninger ◽  
Allyn K Nakashima
Keyword(s):  
Acute Care ◽  
Skilled Nursing Facility ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
The State ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
Patient Transfers ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Infection Preventionists

Abstract Background Fragmented communication of patients’ infectious status across healthcare networks impact regional spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO). This study aimed to quantify gaps in communication of patient MDRO status across Utah healthcare facilities and to identify opportunities to improve. Methods This is a cross-sectional retrospective mixed-methods study of patient transfers from three purposively selected healthcare facilities: an acute care (ACF), long-term acute care (LTAC), and skilled-nursing facility (SNF). Patients with known MDRO transferred out of these facilities over the previous week were identified in bimonthly samples spanning 2 months. Infection preventionists and admission nurses from facilities receiving these patients were interviewed. Results Of 293 patients transferred to another facility, 13% (n = 38) had an active infection or colonization with an MDRO. These 38 patients were transferred to 26 healthcare facilities within the state (4 ACF, 3 LTAC, 19 SNF). Gram-negative organisms with resistance to a carbapenem accounted for 15.8% of those transferred with an MDRO. There was no documentation of the state infection control transfer form (ICTF) at the sending facility for 68.5% of MDRO patient transfers. Of 22 admitting nurses interviewed, 19 (86.4%) did not receive an ICTF, 6 (27.3%) received no communication regarding patients’ infectious status, and 11 (50%) had to contact the sending facility for additional information. Moreover, 18.2% of patients had not been put on appropriate precautions. Several nurses expressed confusion with MDRO definitions and lack of guidance regarding care of MDRO colonized patients. Among infection preventionists asked about general MDRO transfers (n = 26), 26.9% reported that communication on infectious status of MDRO patients was received in under 40% of incoming transfers. When asked about a planned statewide MDRO registry, 80.8% felt that such a system would be actively searched at their facility, and 96.2% felt that a system that pushes out alerts would be useful. Conclusion Given the widespread gaps in communication of infectious status of patients with MDROs transferred across the healthcare facilities sampled, efforts to standardize and improve MDRO communication in the region is warranted. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Burden of Visits for Treating Side Effects of Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy in Cancer Patients.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 5518-5518
Author(s):  
David H. Henry ◽  
Shawn M. Wade ◽  
Mariana Servin ◽  
William Hershfield
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Healthcare Professional ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Receive Treatment ◽  
Doctor's Office ◽  
To Receive

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The time incurred in seeking care for the treatment of side effects of chemotherapy (CT) or radiotherapy (RT) can result in lost productivity and resulting lost wages for cancer patients (pts) and their caregivers. The purpose of this study was to assess the amount of time spent by pts and caregivers to seek treatment for side effects of CT/RT and to examine productivity losses associated with such visits. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to May 2006 using a random sample of pts from a chronic illness panel of 550,233 pts. Inclusion criteria were being at least 18 years of age, diagnosed with cancer, and receiving CT and/or RT either currently or during the 12 months prior to participating in the study. Percentages and means were used to calculate descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 1,569 cancer pts were surveyed: 1,302 pts online and 267 pts by telephone. No significant differences were found between phone and online respondents. Of the pts currently receiving CT and/or RT (N=814), a total of 249 pts received treatment for side effects of CT/RT. The total time spent per visit to receive treatment for side-effects of CT/RT was approximately 5 hrs/visit including preparation time, travel time, and time spent at the clinic. Approximately one-half (54%) of the 249 patients currently receiving treatment for side effects of CT/RT were employed full-time (44%) or part-time (10%). Among employed patients currently receiving treatment for side effects of CT/RT, the mean number of work days missed as a result of visits for the treatment of CT/RT related side effects was 20 days per year. The primary reason for continuing to work during cancer treatment was financial need, reported by 59% of patients. Approximately 83% of all patients indicated that a caregiver generally accompanied them on their visits to the doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital to receive treatment for side effects of CT/RT. Seven out of ten caregivers (68%) were reported as being employed either full-time (62%) or part-time (6%). CONCLUSIONS: Time related burden for patients receiving treatment for side effects of CT/RT and their caregivers is significant. Reduction in frequency of such visits is important from the standpoint of patients’ economic livelihood and can stand to benefit employers and society. Table 1. Time Spent on Healthcare Provider Visits for Treatment of Side Effects Related to Chemotherapy and/or Radiation (N=249) Activity (per visit) Minutes Spent (mean) Standard Deviation Minutes Spent (median) Preparing to go to the doctor’s office, clinic or hospital 81 127 55 Travel to and from the doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital 102 188 58 Waiting at the doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital to see the doctor or another healthcare professional 64 72 39 Seeing the doctor or another healthcare professional 64 75 43 Total 311 380 210

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