WhatsApp video call communication between oncological patients and their families during COVID-19 outbreak.

Background: On March 8, 2020 the Italian Government implemented extraordinary measures to limit COVID-19 viral transmission. The aim of the study was to verify if the use of WhatsApp facilitates communication, improves health information, perception of safe and security, reduce emotional stress during the COVID-19 emergency.

Methods: In this study we identified two period, in the pre-COVID 1-month period (February 9 - March 8, 2020) 34 patients underwent elective surgery for malignancies (21) and benign (13) diseases, respectively.