Quality of Life of People with Cancer in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic in India: A Systematic Review.

Kusum K Rohilla,Amit Gupta,Sweety Gupta,C Vasantha Kalyani,Manoj Gupta

doi:10.2174/1745017902117010280

Kusum K Rohilla, Amit Gupta + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2174/1745017902117010280

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Abstract

Background:The recent pandemic of COVID-19 caused havoc on the health system globally and raised a lot of questions and issues. Treatment for cancer is an emergency that cannot be taken back, particularly in an era of global pandemics. Cancer treatment mainly includes chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and palliative care, and because of the pandemic, all of these treatments are affected. The COVID-19 pandemic also had a potential effect on the quality of life and mental health of patients as well as health workers.Objective:This systematic review was intended to discuss the quality of life of people with cancer in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic in India in the light of the best available facts.Methods:An extensive literature search was done on PubMed, Medline, Embase, Clinical Key and Google Scholar databases till 3rd Feb 2021. Out of 1455 research articles, 06 research articles were included in this systematic review.Results:The results showed that cancer treatment delivery was as per standard safety protocol and the best treatment decisions were made by scheduling and setting priority. Till data, no direct research was conducted on the Indian continent to assess the quality of life of cancer patients in the COVID-19 era. The effect on the quality of life of cancer patients is very large and needs to be explored more by further research. Issues to be discussed with health care administrators and policy makers further. The tele-oncology method of cancer care delivery to patients is another rational option which is applicable as well.Conclusion:This systematic review demonstrated up-to-date evidence regarding the quality of life of cancer patients in the COVID-19 era in India. No research has been done to assess the quality of life of cancer patients. Still, the area is unrevealed, but evidence from other global studies indicates an altered quality of life for cancer patients. To maintain quality of life, cancer physicians should make evidence-based decisions and incorporate multidisciplinary management into decision making.

Highlights

IntroductionQuality of Life of People with Cancer in the Era of the COVID-19
This systematic review demonstrated up-to-date evidence regarding the quality of life of cancer patients in the COVID-19 era in India
No direct research was identified in PubMed, Medline, Embase, Clinical Key, and Google Scholar databases by investigators to assess the quality of life of cancer patients in the Indian subcontinent, so the quality of life for cancer patients is still unrevealed

Summary

Introduction

Quality of Life of People with Cancer in the Era of the COVID-19. The main challenge which was faced during this time was the delivery of oncology care, where patients faced problems with the accessibility of health care, which created more value for cancer patients [11]. At such a crucial juncture, several important questions arise in the minds of patients and clinicians. The main aim of this systematic review was to identify the quality of life of people with cancer in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The COVID-19 pandemic had a potential effect on the quality of life and mental health of patients as well as health workers

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