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Changes in experienced quality of oncological cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic based on patient reported outcomes – a cross-sectional study

Changes in experienced quality of oncological cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic based on patient reported outcomes – a cross-sectional study

Authors :
Ninna Aggerholm-Pedersen
Lise Bech Jellesmark Thorsen
Nina Møller Tauber
Josefine Tingdal Danielsen
Katrine Løppenthin
Signe Borgquist
Christoffer Johansen
Robert Zacharie
Source :
Acta Oncologica, Vol 63, Iss 1 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Medical Journals Sweden, 2024.

Abstract

Aim: The study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients’ perceptions of the quality of their oncological treatment and care. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare delivery and oncological resources were repurposed, potentially leading to prolonged treatment and reduced access to innovative therapies and clinical trials. Still, little is known about how patients perceived the quality of their treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the spring of 2020 among cancer patients at the Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital and Rigshospitalet, Denmark. Patients were invited to complete an online questionnaire on clinical, socioeconomic, emotional, behavioural, and quality-related aspects of oncological cancer care. Patients who experienced reduced treatment quality and those who reported no or slight reductions were compared using multiple logistic regression, exploring the associations with patient characteristics, behaviours, and fear of cancer progression or recurrence. Results: A total of 2,040/5,372 patients experienced changes in their treatment plans during the pandemic, and 1,570/5,372 patients experienced reduced treatment quality, with 236 reporting a high degree of reduction. Patients with breast, head and neck, and upper gastrointestinal cancers were more likely to experience reduced treatment quality. Altered interactions with healthcare providers, along with isolation, lack of social support, and heightened fear of cancer progression, were significant risk factors for experiencing reduced cancer care quality. Interpretation: We identified subgroups of cancer patients needing targeted communication and care during health crises affecting cancer treatment. The findings underscore the importance of safeguarding the needs of vulnerable patient populations in future healthcare emergencies.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1651226X
Volume :
63
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Acta Oncologica
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.5b66763e4f9348dab573f18b5b4633c5
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.2340/1651-226X.2024.40141