Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care: A cross-sectional study of Egyptian patients’ perspectives and concerns

Abstract

BackgroundWorldwide, COVID-19 greatly reduced healthcare accessibility and utilization by non-COVID patients including cancer. This study aimed to quantify and characterize cancer care adjustments experienced by cancer patients/survivors; and to explore their concerns, beliefs, and knowledge regarding COVID-19. MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire distributed through social media patients’ groups (June–December 2020). Questionnaire included basic information, care adjustments (in “care provision” and in “treatment plan”), and patients’ concerns, beliefs, and knowledge. Data description and analysis were done. ResultsOut of 300 participants, there were 68.0% on-treatment and 32.0% in follow-up stage. Care adjustments were reported by 29.7%; mostly in care provision (27.3%) rather than treatment plan (4.9%). Adjustments were less likely to occur when healthcare facility was in governorate other than that of residence (OR:0.53, 95%CI:0.30–0.96, P = 0.037) and more likely with long-standing diagnosis (≥12 months) compared with recent (<3 months) (adjusted-OR:4.13, 95%CI:1.19–14.34, P = 0.026). Lower proportion of on-treatment patients used remote consultation than patients in follow-up [4.4% versus 17.7%, P < 0.001].Patients were concerned about fulfilling their care visits more than the probable COVID-19 infection (72.3%). It was uncommon to feel that the risk of COVID-19 infection is higher in care places than in the community (27.3%) or to feel safe with remote consultations (34.3%). However, patients increased their infection control practice (64.0%) and the majority were aware of their increased susceptibility to complications (86.0%). Somewhat, they were also concerned about the care quality (57.3%). Many had adequate access to COVID-19 information (69.0%) and their main sources were the Ministry of Health webpage and ordinary media (radio/TV). ConclusionCancer patients were primarily concerned about fulfilling their planned care and COVID-19 infection was less appreciated. Policy summaryLaunching of a policy for enhancement of telemedicine experience through more patients’ engagement—as essential stakeholders—may be required. To heighten pandemic resilience for cancer care in Egypt, more investment in establishing specialized end-to-end cancer care facilities that ensure continuity of care may be justified.