Rationalizing Emotions: A Secondary Analysis of the Supportive and Palliative Cancer Care Clinicians’ Experiences During COVID-19 (GP766)

Abstract

Outcomes1. Recall two emotions that oncology clinicians experienced during COVID-192. Recognize one pattern of mixed emotions experienced by clinicians during COVID-19BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has called for a radical change in the delivery of oncology and palliative care services. In the first phase of the pandemic, oncology care was disrupted, with delayed screening and postponement of life-saving treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries. Psycho-oncology care shifted due to social isolation, visitor restrictions, fear of infection, and transitions to telehealth. Emerging research is examining these effects on the patient and family unit; however, there is limited research exploring the emotional impact on cancer and palliative care clinicians. We know that healthcare professionals worldwide are experiencing immense strain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and burnout, and many are considering leaving their profession. Understanding the emotional experience of clinicians in the early phase of the pandemic is key to addressing these issues.MethodsThrough a secondary analysis of qualitative data collected in the Virtual Supportive Cancer Care Research study, clinician interview transcripts were analyzed using an interpretive descriptive approach. Clinician participants represented various supportive and palliative roles in oncology care, including the disciplinary perspectives of nurse practitioners, social workers, dieticians, nurses, and physicians.FindingsClinicians experienced a plethora of emotions. These emotions were experienced on four axes: overt or latent; independent, sequential, or simultaneous; mixed emotions, which were experienced in three main patterns (contradictory, interwoven, and rationalizing); and internalized or externalized. All emotions could exist on multiple axes and ultimately guided clinicians’ reactions, responses, and reflections on their emotions as well as their behaviors.ConclusionUndoubtedly, clinicians have been significantly impacted both physically and emotionally during the pandemic. We are now faced with a unique opportunity to support clinicians holistically, as we do with patients. This study is a first step in unpacking what is behind clinician emotions and processing patterns in extreme care contexts such as the COVID-19 pandemic.