PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE IN
CANCER PATIENTS AND SURVIVORS
DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
F. Giotta, F. Romito, F. Lagattolla, A.M. Fioretti
Vol.3 (2020), pag. 28 - 29
| Received | 25/05/2020 |
| Accepted after revision | 24/08/2020 |
| Published | 17/09/2020 |
| Review by | Single-blind |
ABSTRACT
Italy has been severely affected during COVID-19 pandemic, with strict lockdown measures and a large number of deaths. So, as health workers involved in the multidisciplinary care of cancer patients, we had to redefine pathways and practices for taking care of cancer patient’s emotional needs during the lockdown. Lockdown measures, in fact, have limited the access to the health care system to urgent situations, preventing patients from the usual access to psychological services and other support activities.
In the present work, two targeted experiences of cancer care are described: the first is a screening of post-traumatic symptoms, anxiety and depression in order to enable patients to request on-line psychological support, if needed. The second one is a WhatsApp support group involving patients and doctors and focused on sharing artistic and literary works, that has been particularly active during the pandemic.