1672P - Living the waiting: Feelings and experiences data from cancer patients in the waiting room

Background

Waiting involves staying in a place until an expected event occurs. From diagnosis to follow-up and treatment, cancer patients (pts) often endure waiting. Understanding their emotions during this time is crucial. Few studies have explored the experiences and emotions of cancer pts in the waiting room (WR).

Methods

An anonymous 12-item online questionnaire was distributed to cancer pts in our center's WR. The questionnaire was divided into 3 sections including clinical and socio-demographic information, time spent in the WR, and pts considerations. The aim of this study was to investigate cancer pts’ emotions and behaviors in the WR.

Results

160 pts completed the questionnaire (48% women, 52% men). The most common age groups were 51-65 years old (37%) and 66-80 years old (41%). The majority of pts are unemployed (58.5%). About half of interviewed pts undergo infusion therapies and/or visit 1-2 times monthly. When asked to describe the wait duration, approximately half found it long (32%) or too long (17%). Pts spend this period on mobile phones (47%), watching TV (21%), reading or listening to music (16%), and conversing with others (11%). Both positive (49% calm, 7.5% hopeful, 5% emotional involvement) and negative (26% boredom, 21% anxiety, 6% sadness, 5% anger, 1% apathy) emotions were experienced. The multiple logistic regression model confirms the independent predictor role for a negative emotional status in the WR of a perceived long or too long waiting period (OR=4.0, p<0.001) and the independent role of protector of male gender (OR=0.4, p0.008). A trend of significance emerged for employment (OR=0.4, p0.052) and engaging in active behaviors (OR=0.4, p0.058) as protective factors. When asked how to improve the quality of time in the WR, 38% suggested live entertainment (music, readings, and cancer information), 26% preferred access to newspapers and magazines. The most requested topics are treatment news (51%), diet (46%), and physical activity (27%).

Conclusions

For cancer pts the waiting can be a meaningful experience. Many pts find the wait long, boring, and anxiety-provoking. Our experience suggests how active and externalizing behaviors are less linked to negative emotions and interactive activities could improve the quality of time spent in the WR.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.