Features of distress in elderly long term cancer patient during the Covid 19 pandemic
P. Chiarlone, F. Cappuccio, S. Bordonaro, G. Buccafusca, A. Di Mari, M. Iacono, O. Lissandrello, G. Rametta, F. Romano, E. Tata, P. Tralongo
Vol.5 (2020), issue 2, pag. 13 - 22
| Received | 09/11/2020 |
| Accepted | 11/11/2020 |
| Published | 04/12/2020 |
| Review by | Single-blind |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.48253/AGO2 |
ABSTRACT
Abstract
Background
The social restrictive measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic (DPCM 11-03-2020) led to the hanging of the deferred healthca- re activity, also including follow-up outpatient visits and oncological controls in order to protect patients, such as cancer patients, par- ticularly exposed to severe complications, against the risk of virus exposure.
Objective
The aim of this survey is to check if this suspension has generated in patients anxiety and concern. Moreover, a qualitative objective of the survey was to maintain a direct link between patients and the Unit as a preventive measure against the sense of individual isola- tion during lockdown.
Methods
Observational study conducted by telephone interview, with se- mi-structured questions evaluating patient’s perception of Covid -19 measures. Long term cancer patients receiving follow up controls underwent the survey.
Results
130 patients (72% female and 28% male) with an average age of 66 years recruited in the waiting list of outpatients checkups of the Medical Oncology Hospital Unit during the reference period (March-May 2020) answered to telephone interview. Patients reported overall agreement and a good level of information about the su- spension measures adopted but a significant number of patients (21%) expressed an high level of anxiety also due to other distress factors (financial difficulties, concern for distant family members) and not only to their fragile patient status.
Conclusions
During the first period of the pandemic, the fear of COVID-19 se- ems to have saturated the social imagination, and led to a strong consensus on containment measures at outpatient checkups. In order to support cancer patients an optimal relationship with the on- cologists appears mandatory,1 expecially when the routine visits are postponed and replaced by telephone consultations. Maintaining a direct line with these patients allowed them to express doubts and difficulties, helping to at least partially overcome the sense of isola- tion, and, hopefully, to prevent risk of psychological disorders.
KEYWORDS
Covid-19, survivorship, surveillance, patient satisfaction, older patient with cancer