Cancer patients’ experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and their satisfaction with telehealth

  • Eva Rodríguez Hospital del Mar (Barcelona)
  • Sandra García Lumbreras Hospital Universitario Dexeus (Barcelona)
  • Valérie Buscemi Hospital General de Granollers (Granollers, Barcelona)
  • Vanessa Cortí Barberá Hospital Universitario Mutua Terrassa (Terrassa, Barcelona)
Keywords: Emotional impact, COVID-19, cancer patients, coping, anxiety, depression, telemedicine, healthcare

Abstract

Objective: Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound emotional impact in general population and, especially, in patients with chronic diseases, like cancer patients. Moreover, it has placed unparalelled demands on healthcare systems. The aim of the present study is to explore this impact on oncology patients from their own experience, assess their coping strategies and also know their opinion about the healthcare assistance received. Method: One hundred and eighteen oncology patients from 5 different hospitals around Barcelona participated in the study. Data was collected using both HADS and an adhoc questionnaire which evaluated emotional distress, coping strategies, risk-contagion perception, social support and assessment of changes in healthcare assistance. Results: A total of 51.4% of the subjects presented high rates of anxiety and 36% depression. Worry (73.7%), fear (72.8%), anxiety and sadness (56.1%) were the most frequent emotions expressed. Around 74.1% of the sample felt very satisfied with the healthcare services and 94.6% felt supported by their health team. A 40.7% of the patients disagreed with telemedicine assessment, while 33.7% had predominantly a positive perception. Conclusions: Oncology patients considered that COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected their emotional status and quality of life. Getting to know patients’ opinions about telemedicine may aid in facilitating care and improving its design to provide better and more efficient care.

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Author Biographies

Eva Rodríguez, Hospital del Mar (Barcelona)

Servicio de Oncología Médica

Sandra García Lumbreras, Hospital Universitario Dexeus (Barcelona)

Servicio de Ginecología

Valérie Buscemi, Hospital General de Granollers (Granollers, Barcelona)

EAPS Creu Roja. Programa Atención Integral a Personas con Enfermedades Avanzadas impulsado
por la Fundación “la Caixa”

Unidad de Psicología, Hospital General de Granollers.

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Published
2022-03-03
How to Cite
Rodríguez E., García Lumbreras S., Buscemi V. y Cortí Barberá V. (2022). Cancer patients’ experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and their satisfaction with telehealth. Psicooncología, 19(1), 27-43. https://doi.org/10.5209/psic.80796
Section
Articles