As a service to our biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing clients, MME conducted an online survey last month to assess COVID-19’s impact on practice dynamics and patient treatment options for independent and hospital-affiliated oncology practices.
The survey leveraged the insight of 51 oncologists from our vendor panel to evaluate effects from COVID-19 precautions. The following topics were discussed:
- impact on practice dynamics
- impact on practice’s participation in clinical trials
- impact on practice’s revenues
The result of this study highlight key factors affecting the market including:
- Nearly 80% of physicians reported moderate to severe disruptions. Impacts included: decreases in patient volume, absenteeism of staff (physicians, nurses, admin), delivery issues related to lab supplies. Issues affecting masks and gloves were reported to be the most disruptive.
- Around 70% of physicians reported an increase in the use of telemedicine for phone consultations and appointment rescheduling.
- 52% of physicians reported using an alternative site such as a home or outpatient hospital to provide active therapy.
- Practices reported that 46% of their clinical trials have been paused or discontinued due to the pandemic.
- On average, physicians estimate practices to continue to operate for six to seven months if pandemic dynamics continue.
As oncology practices adapt to the post-COVID-19 climate, developing grounded assumptions for changes to practice patterns will be critical for understanding PRMA implications. Schedule a virtual meeting to discuss these results and evaluate the implications for your product.