The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Patients’ Access to Diagnostic and Treatment Services in Kerman Province: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Pandemics affect patients’ access to diagnostic and treatment services. As cancer patients need regular follow-up, any obstacle in accessing services can affect the conditions of these patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients’ access to diagnostic and treatment services. Methods: In this qualitative study, 15 people were selected through a targeted sampling method among the patients who were referred to cancer treatment centers in Kerman. The interviews were semi-structured and face-to-face and were conducted in April 2021. The data were analyzed using directed content analysis. Results: Among the people included in this study, 10 (66.7%) were women and more than half of the investigated people were in the 36 to 55 years age group (53.3%). These patients faced challenges including delay in treatment, mental and psychological problems, financial problems, and delay in COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion: Various challenges and factors play a role in cancer patients’ access to diagnostic and treatment services during the pandemic. Therefore, more physical space should be allocated to them in treatment environments to reassure them and facilitate their timely referral to doctors. In addition, psychiatric consultations to identify the problems of cancer patients and regular follow-up of these patients can reduce their problems during pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic.