Impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on cancer patients may be high in terms of anxiety, fear and psychological distress; however, this topic remains under-addressed. We aim to describe cancer patient experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland. Information gained through in-depths interviews will be triangulated with the level of distress and resilience.
Purposive sampling will be used to recruit four patient subgroups diagnosed with melanoma, breast, lung, or colon cancer (i) under adjuvant treatment; (ii) under anti-cancer treatment with palliative intent; (iii) being consulted at institutes for complementary and integrative medicine (ICIM); (iv) being consulted by clinical nurse specialists (CNS). Interview guides were developed based on qualitative analysis of public online cancer patients’ forums from four different countries. We selected main posts related to COVID-19. Semantic and inductive thematic analysis approaches were used to identify meaningful patterns and themes. The level of distress and resilience will be measured by the NCCN Distress Thermometer and the 2-item Connor-Davidson-Resilience Scale. We aim to include 120 patients (10 participants per subgroup in each language region). Recruitment will start in September 2020.
The design of the study as well as preliminary data regarding themes and subthemes identified in the patient’s forum analysis will be presented.
To the best of our knowledge, no patient experience study with a qualitative design is conducted or planned with cancer patients during COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. The study will serve to identify concerns, unmet information and clinical needs and potential positive experiences of patients with cancer in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Newly developed patient reported measures should be based on qualitative data. The identification of topics considered important to patients will thus support the development of patient reported experience measures for the current or future epidemics/pandemics.
The authors.
Has not received any funding.
S. Colomer-Lahiguera: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: Vifor pharma. M. Eicher: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: Vifor pharma; Honoraria (institution): Vifor pharma; Honoraria (institution), Research grant/Funding (institution): BMS; Honoraria (institution), Research grant/Funding (institution): Roche; Research grant/Funding (institution): Kaiku Health. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
On March 9th, the lockdown was enforced in Italy to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The request to stay at home particularly applied to cancer patients, who were considered at higher risk for infection and severe events. Patients had to experience substantial psychosocial implications of mass quarantine and they were also faced with special challenges to receive safe cancer care. This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of people living with cancer during mass quarantine.
The Italian Association of Cancer Nurses (AIIAO) conducted an online survey from March 29th to May 3rd, 2020, which corresponds to ‘Phase One’ of the COVID-19 Italian emergency plan. People living with cancer and self-isolated at home were invited to fill in the survey via social groups. Data about socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, opinion on the impact of SARS-CoV-2, access to cancer care, behavioural measures implemented, and the perception of being isolated (ISOLA scale) were collected.
Participants were 195 adults living with cancer (female=76%, mean age=50.3±11.2 years). They were more often affected by haematological malignancy (51.3%) and staying at home with partner and children (38.5%) for more than 4 weeks (70.8%). Only 54% of them believed to be at higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and 51% for severe complications. Measures to prevent the infection included hand washing (95.2%), social distancing (81.5%), face mask (96.3%), gloves (55.6%), and remedies to boost their immune system (29%). Overall, 62% reported diminished/absent access to cancer care and 29% were afraid that their cancer was not under control. The mean scores of the ISOLA scale (range 1-5) were 2.64 (SD=0.81) for isolation-related suffering, 3.31 (SD=1.13) for problems in the relationship with others, and 3.14 (SD=1.06) for difficulties in the relationship with oneself. Greater social isolation in quarantine was reported by the older patients, with lower education, and living without children.
In the context of grave threats to their physical and mental health, people living with cancer need help from nurses to prioritise their health, cope with isolation-related suffering, and identify effective preventive behaviours.
The Italian Association of Cancer Nurses (AIIAO).
Has not received any funding.
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.