The experience of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the care of many cancer patients in a variety of ways. This study was conducted to understand the experience cancer patients have had during the pandemic. Method: Cancer patients who were under the care of the Trust between September 2020 – January 2021 were invited to take part in a survey sent through as a text message. Results: A total of 600 patients were sent a text message with a link to an online survey. There were 82 patients who responded. The data has been divided into three themes of information provision and safety around COVID-19, impact on cancer care and feeling supported by staff. Conclusion: It was encouraging to see that patients felt safe coming into the hospitals if it was required and they received appropriate information about changes to their care and how to protect themselves against COVID-19. Most patients stated that the pandemic had not influenced their cancer care. Of those that did experience delays most were understanding of this. There was a mixture of responses in terms of patients feeling supported by staff, most inpatients did feel supported and 75% of patients were able to contact their specialist nurse.