No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Background:The COVID-19 pandemic has seen mass disruptions to healthcare globally. People with cancer are in a vulnerable position, and treatment teams may be anxious in making decisions that try to balance risks associated with malignant disease with those of potential exposure to COVID-19. In addition, palliative care is likely to have experienced significant burdens during the pandemic. As a result of COVID-19 disturbances, people with cancer and their caregivers may have increased stressors and therefore poor outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of people with cancer and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim to inform future oncology practice during infectious crises. Methods: This qualitative study had 2 stages. Stage 1 involved key informant interviews (n = 16) conducted with healthcare professionals working in cancer care. These were used to inform the stage 2 interview guide for participants who had cancer or were caregivers of someone with cancer (n = 19). Data were thematically analyzed using NVivo. Results: Five interconnected themes were identified from the interviews: uncertainty and vulnerability, constraints and restrictions, isolation and disconnection, burdens and stressors, and adaptability and resilience. Across themes, complexity and diversity in experience were demonstrated. Conclusions: The findings suggest cancer concerns outweigh those associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many difficulties experienced by healthcare professionals and people with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic were related to social isolation. Implications for Practice: Provision of psychosocial and spiritual telehealth services should be increased. It is important during times of crisis to pay attention to those who are most vulnerable.