“Maintain clear SOPs and have an efficient workflow”

National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) has been maintaining safety of cancer patients through a strategic model to neutralise the impact of COVID-19 on therapeutic clinical studies and R&D activities.

- Hithaishi C Bhaskar 

The guiding principle of the NCIS pandemic strategy and the framework emphasizes on resource conservation and avoiding economic repercussions. In conversation with BioSpectrum Asia, Professor Chng Wee Joo, Director of NCIS further explained the NCIS pandemic strategy framework for a persistent medical activities upholding Safety-welfare and morale of staff. Edited excerpts;

Can you elaborate on NCIS COVID-19 business continuity plan framework?

Safety of our patients: Reduce unnecessary visits and assess risk benefit ratio of treatment, suspend research except for ongoing clinical trials that affect clinical treatment

Safety of our staff: Appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and patient triage workflows, reduce contact with research subjects, use of teleconference platforms for research, and education