Oncology Health Care Providers’ Perceptions of the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Oncology Patients

Abstract

Purpose. The COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation measures have had a profound impact on the psychological and mental well-being of people living with cancer. The aim of this study was to explore oncology health care professionals’ (OHCP) perceptions of psychological effects of COVID-19 among people in active cancer treatment. Methods. An exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of OHCP, who were actively participating and providing care to patients with cancer and undergoing treatment. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using Atlas.ti v8. Inductive applied thematic analysis techniques were employed to identify emergent themes.Results. A total of 30 OHCP participated in the study with the majority being registered nurses (70%), worked in the outpatient oncology clinic (56.7%) and worked in current position 1- 5 years (53.3%). The overarching themes included: (1) cancer care treatment disrupted due to patients fear of exposure to COVID-19; (2) social distancing restrictions had a negative impact on social support and supportive services exacerbating psychological and physical well-being among oncology patients; (3) pandemic-related stressors lead to overwhelmed coping skills among oncology patients; and (4) OHCP play vital roles in providing emotional support to comfort, reassure and connect oncology patients with their family/friends through technology.Conclusion. Our findings highlight increased psychological distress during the pandemic. Behavioral health interventions for oncology patients should focus within the scope of the “new world of Covid-19” of reduced face to face support and increased online support.

Challenges Experienced by U.S. Cancer Patients during COVID-19: Implications for Future Public Health Emergency Preparedness

“…Another study addressing the challenges of palliative care for cancer patients, identified that social isolation, while necessary to protect those cancer patients with vulnerable and weakened immune systems, was a barrier for providing the necessary support of these patients [33]. The finding of social support being a major challenge for cancer patients during COVID-19 was also reported by Chavez et al [34], who interviewed oncology health care providers about the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of their cancer patients.…”