The needs of older adult cancer survivors during COVID-19: Implications for oncology nursing

Kilgour, Heather M.; Galica, Jacqueline; Oliffe, John L.; Haase, Kristen R.

OBJECTIVES: Older adults living with cancer have been described as more susceptible to COVID-19 and in need of special attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. For cancer survivors, the first-year post-treatment is a critical time as many individuals transition back to their primary care provider and adjust to physical/psychosocial changes which occurred during their cancer treatment. In this longitudinal qualitative study, we followed a cohort of older adult cancer survivors through the first three waves of the pandemic to describe their experiences as a means for providing recommendations for how oncology nurses can tailor supports to this unique population. DATA SOURCES: We conducted individual, semi-structured qualitative interviews with 24 older adults at three time points during the pandemic. Data were analyzed drawing from interpretive descriptive methodologies. CONCLUSION: Older adult cancer survivors’ needs shifted during the pandemic from feeling confident and self-assured during the early days of COVID-19, to growing uncertainty and unease about their health and wellbeing. The main survivorship concerns included a preference for in-person appointments (as opposed to virtual), barriers to caregiver attendance at appointments, and diminished access to healthcare services. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses play a critical role providing care to older adult cancer survivors and are most familiar with unique patient needs and the gaps in services they face. We provide recommendations for oncology nursing practice which consider the shifting needs of older adult cancer survivors during COVID-19 and beyond.