The impact of covid-19 epidemic to the implementation of acute palliative care in oncology

Introduction: In the spring of 2020, the covid-19 pandemic broke out with a major impact on global society, particular on the healthcare system. Epidemiological conditions and consequent measures have affected the treatment of patients enrolled in specialized palliative care. Methods: The study collected data about the number and type of treatments for cancer patients included in acute palliative care at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana (OI) and provided observations on the covid-19 outbreak compared to pre-epidemic data. Results: In 2020, we recorded 25% more referrals than in 2019. The average length of stay decreased from 6,2 days to 5,1 days. The average number of family meetings in the period before covid-19 was 148 but last year 214. The calendar year and dismissals or deaths are statistically significantly related. In 2020, statistically significantly more people died at OAPO than expected (p