Technology-based Health Solutions for Cancer Caregivers to Better Shoulder the Impact of COVID-19: A Systematic Review Protocol

Abstract

Background: Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, partially owing to their compromised immune systems and curbed or cut cancer healthcare services caused by the pandemic. As a result, cancer caregivers may have to shoulder triple crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, pronounced healthcare needs from the patient, and elevated need for care from within. While technology-based health interventions have the potential to address unique challenges cancer caregivers face amid COVID-19, limited insights are available. Thus, to bridge this gap, we aim to identify technology-based interventions designed for cancer caregivers and report the characteristics and effects of these interventions concerning cancer caregivers' distinctive challenges amid COVID-19. Methods: A systematic search of the literature will be conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus from the database inception to the end of March, 2021. Articles that center on technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers will be included in the review. The search strategy will be developed in consultation with an academic librarian who is experienced in systematic review studies. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles will be screened against eligibility criteria developed a priori. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses procedures will be followed for the reporting process. Conclusions: COVID-19 has upended cancer care as we know it. Findings of this study can shed light on evidence-based and practical solutions cancer caregivers can utilize to mitigate the unique challenges they face amid COVID-19. Furthermore, results of this study will also offer valuable insights for researchers who aim to develop interventions for cancer caregivers in the context of COVID-19. In addition, we also expect to be able to identify areas for improvement that need to be addressed in order for health experts to more adequately help cancer caregivers weather the storm of global health crises like COVID-19 and beyond. Study Protocol Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020196301

The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on care delivery and quality of life in lung cancer surgery

“… 25 While telehealth provided flexibility in traveling to care, challenges remain as observed in our findings and other studies. 21 , 26 Many patients and families, including older adults with cancer, may experience challenges with technology use. 27 Care teams dedicated more time to educating patients and FCGs on preparing for surgery and recovery, and the education was presented separately to patients and FCGs due to visitation policies or additional telehealth sessions were needed to communicate with FCGs.…”

The Difficulties the Caregivers of Cancer Patients Experience in the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…This study also was found that caregivers of cancer patients did not pay attention to their self-care, postponed visiting the doctor in case of problems, and neglected their health. Previous studies noted that the mental health of the caregivers worsened and emphasized that the caregivers experienced the most depression and anxiety due to social isolation and quarantine [4,5,7,18,22].…”

“…Interview questions were prepared in line with the literature [4,5,7]. The data were collected by using the online interview technique by conducting one-on-one interviews with semi-structured interview forms.…”

“…Cancer patients are in the high-risk group because they are more prone to infection due to chronic disease, poor health, and systemic immunosuppressive therapy [3,4] Therefore, holistic care is important in meeting care needs and caregivers are an important part of this care [5]. Caregivers who must face the effects of the coronavirus in the Covid-19 pandemic and try to maintain the physical and psychological care of the patient have been reported to suffer from increased care burden [6,7]. Social distance, quarantine and isolation have also negatively affected the support received by caregivers during the pandemic, further increasing the burden on them [5,7].…”

“…Caregivers who must face the effects of the coronavirus in the Covid-19 pandemic and try to maintain the physical and psychological care of the patient have been reported to suffer from increased care burden [6,7]. Social distance, quarantine and isolation have also negatively affected the support received by caregivers during the pandemic, further increasing the burden on them [5,7]. There have been reports in the literature that being in social isolation increases the feeling of loneliness [8]; that the mental health of those who care for their patients during the Covid-19 period was adversely affected, and that they experienced emotional stress, distress and depressive symptoms [9,10].…”