Silver linings: a qualitative study of desirable changes to cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Public health emergencies and crises such as the current COVID-19 pandemic can accelerate innovation and place renewed focus on the value of health interventions. Capturing important lessons learnt, both positive and negative, is vital. We aimed to document the perceived positive changes (silver linings) in cancer care that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify challenges that may limit their long-term adoption. Methods: This study employed a qualitative design. Semi-structured interviews (n = 20) were conducted with key opinion leaders from 14 countries. The participants were predominantly members of the International COVID-19 and Cancer Taskforce, who convened in March 2020 to address delivery of cancer care in the context of the pandemic. The Framework Method was employed to analyse the positive changes of the pandemic with corresponding challenges to their maintenance post-pandemic. Results: Ten themes of positive changes were identified which included: value in cancer care, digital communication, convenience, inclusivity and cooperation, decentralisation of cancer care, acceleration of policy change, human interactions, hygiene practices, health awareness and promotion and systems improvement. Impediments to the scale-up of these positive changes included resource disparities and variation in legal frameworks across regions. Barriers were largely attributed to behaviours and attitudes of stakeholders. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to important value-based innovations and changes for better cancer care across different health systems. The challenges to Policy

Experiences and coping strategies of women receiving treatment for breast and gynecological cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

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Contingency planning for cancer care in low- and middle-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: a rapid assessment for future disaster resilience

“…Moving forward, the LMICs should consider collating best local practices from the current pandemic and translating them into an explicit cancer preparedness plan, which can be escalated during future outbreaks or disasters. Silver linings in cancer care that have emerged including cessation of low value care, digital communication and decentralisation of cancer care [ 37 ] should not be forgotten. Importantly, formulators should be wary of the stark imbalances in the emphasis on various parts of the cancer continuum when formulating their emergency preparedness plans for the LMICs.…”

Preparing for the Next Pandemic: An Asian National Cancer Centers Alliance (ANCCA) Initiative

“…The success of preparation for the next pandemic goes beyond what any cancer center or hospital can do. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to new global initiatives toward positive changes for better cancer care (Lombe et al, 2021). National policies and plans should be in place and should extend beyond the Ministry of Health to involve all other Ministries, especially that of Immigration, Transport, Finance and Civil Defense.…”