A Qualitative Descriptive Study to Assess Experiences and Care Needs of Patients With Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: To explore the experiences and unmet clinical needs of patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PARTICIPANTS &

SETTING

The authors recruited patients with cancer who received cancer-directed therapy in March 2020 at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. Interviews with patients were conducted between June 2021 and January 2023.

METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: In this deductive-inductive descriptive qualitative investigation, participants completed a one-time 45-minute semistructured telephone interview via Zoom.

FINDINGS: The qualitative analysis revealed (a) a myriad of psychological stressors, (b) bolstered human connectedness, (c) disruptions to daily life, (d) clinical support and education from healthcare teams, and (e) looking ahead to postpandemic life. Participants experienced changes in health behaviors and material hardships but highlighted support from family, friends, and healthcare teams.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The cohort of patients experienced significant distress and disruptions to their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions implemented during an unanticipated event such as a pandemic need to be developed and tested to support patients with cancer.