CN44 - Exploring cancer patients' and survivors’ experiences of cancer care in COVID-19: A longitudinal qualitative study

Background

There is limited understanding of how the experiences of people with cancer may change and evolve against the shifting landscape of COVID-19 incidence, mortality, vaccination and healthcare delivery. This study aimed to explore the experiences of cancer care among people affected by cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic using a longitudinal qualitative study design.

Methods

Participants were recruited to this longitudinal descriptive qualitative study via social media advertisements. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with people living with, after or caring for someone with cancer at three timepoints over a six-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

Participants described feeling afraid and keeping safe through prevention and shielding strategies. Some had been vaccinated by phase 2 but many had not. Although hospitals felt safe and efficient, some participants felt COVID-19 restrictions were being used an excuse for compromised care. Substitution of face-to-face appointments with telehealth services restricted participants' access to professional and social support and reliable information. In phase one participants felt public health measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19 had created a sense of not missing out, but this feeling had largely shifted by phase 2 and the continued restrictions on social interactions amplified feelings of isolation.

Conclusions

This study highlights opportunities for longitudinal qualitative research to explore evolving experiences of people with cancer in the context of changing socio-cultural and healthcare provision during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Promotions Project Phase 2 Research Consolidation Grant.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.