The lived experiences of patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Fahed, Gracia; Fares, Angie H; Ghosn, Aya; Greige, Alain; Hebbo, Elsa; Naja, Kim; Moukarzel, Pamela; Haddad, Salame; Finianos, Antoine; Honein, Gladys; Akl, Elie A

doi:10.3332/ecancer.2023.1598

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 32 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The interruption of clinical trials during the pandemic has also raised concerns about the delay in the development and approval of new cancer treatments [ 22 ]. Moreover, the implementation of social distancing measures and the fear of contracting the virus in healthcare settings have caused many patients to avoid or delay seeking medical attention for cancer-related symptoms, potentially leading to more severe health conditions upon eventual presentation [ 23 ]. The psychosocial impact on cancer patients, already vulnerable due to their condition, has been profound, with increased reports of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues as they face heightened uncertainty and isolation [ 24 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on the Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer and Precursor Lesions—A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Balan,

Secosan,

Sorop

et al. 2024

Medicina

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background and Objectives: Our aim was to perform a retrospective analysis of the volume of cervical screening tests, the number of patients treated with an excision method, and the incidence of invasive and non-invasive cervical during a pandemic and pre-pandemic period of 24 months. Materials and Methods: The study compared 404 patients who underwent cervical cone biopsy for cervical cancer. The study examined patients’ specimens based on histopathological characteristics and categorized cervical lesions based on pap smear. Results: There was a statistically significant age difference between the two study periods. The mean difference was 32 years before the pandemic and 35 years during the pandemic (p-value > 0.05). The biggest patient loss ratio identified by age group was in the 50–59-year group, with a 14.53% loss in the pre-pandemic period and a 9.1% loss in the pandemic period. In the pandemic period, patients from rural areas presented in the clinical trial with a lower rate of 39.52% (83 patients) vs. 60.47% (127 patients) in urban areas. A higher percentage of patients experiencing cervicorrhagia as a clinical manifestation in the pandemic period vs. the pre-pandemic period, with an increase in more severe lesions in the pandemic period, had a statistical significance of 8% more newly diagnosed compared to the pre-pandemic period. Conclusions: The addressability of the patients during the COVID period was not affected in a drastic way in our study. We encountered a decrease in appointments in the age group of 50–59 years and a decrease in patients with rural residence. In our study, we found an increase in cervical bleeding as a reason for consultation in the pandemic period with a higher lesion degree, both on a pap smear and on a cervical biopsy.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on the Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer and Precursor Lesions—A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Balan,

Secosan,

Sorop

et al. 2024

Medicina

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Doctor-Patient Relationship: A Qualitative Study in a Tertiary-Care Centre in Lebanon

Abou-Mrad,

Haidar,

Abou-Mrad

et al. 2024

Canadian Journal of Bioethics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic imposed numerous constraints on medical practice and exacerbated preexisting vulnerabilities in Lebanon’s healthcare system, which was already grappling with instability due to concurrent political and economic crises. This situation had a complex impact on the doctor-patient relationship (DPR), with both negative and positive repercussions. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with physicians from various specialties practicing at a tertiary-care center in Lebanon. Our study aimed to 1) explore the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the DPR in Lebanon, and 2) provide recommendations for improving the DPR, healthcare policy, and education. Results: Thematic analysis of the data revealed that the pandemic had varying effects on the DPR. While both physicians and patients seemed to have developed a more favourable perception of the medical profession, communication between them appeared to be challenged by the use of personal protective equipment and patients’ concerns about close contact with physicians. The media played a vital role in educating and raising awareness during the pandemic but lacked organization and ethical standards, leading to anticipated fear and confusion among the society. Telemedicine emerged as an alternative means for communication and remote care but faced several obstacles including inadequate internet infrastructure and disruptions to physicians’ personal lives. Conclusion: Our qualitative study unveiled the multifaceted impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on perceiving the healthcare system, doctor-patient interactions, and the role of telemedicine in Lebanon, among others. These findings underscore the importance of effective communication in enhancing the DPR, the need to address misinformation on social media, and the imperative for systemic improvements to strengthen the resilience of Lebanon’s healthcare system.

show abstract

The lived experiences of patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Cited by 2 publications

References 32 publications

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on the Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer and Precursor Lesions—A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on the Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer and Precursor Lesions—A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Doctor-Patient Relationship: A Qualitative Study in a Tertiary-Care Centre in Lebanon

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About