CN44 Exploring cancer patients' and survivors’ experiences of cancer care in COVID-19: A longitudinal qualitative study

Dowling, M.; Drury, A.; Eicher, M.

Background: There is limited understanding of how the experiences of people with cancer may change and evolve against the shifting landscape of COVID-19 incidence, mortality, vaccination and healthcare delivery. This study aimed to explore the experiences of cancer care among people affected by cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic using a longitudinal qualitative study design. Methods: Participants were recruited to this longitudinal descriptive qualitative study via social media advertisements. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with people living with, after or caring for someone with cancer at three timepoints over a six-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Results: Participants described feeling afraid and keeping safe through prevention and shielding strategies. Some had been vaccinated by phase 2 but many had not. Although hospitals felt safe and efficient, some participants felt COVID-19 restrictions were being used an excuse for compromised care. Substitution of face-to-face appointments with telehealth services restricted participants' access to professional and social support and reliable information. In phase one participants felt public health measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19 had created a sense of not missing out, but this feeling had largely shifted by phase 2 and the continued restrictions on social interactions amplified feelings of isolation. Conclusions: This study highlights opportunities for longitudinal qualitative research to explore evolving experiences of people with cancer in the context of changing socio-cultural and healthcare provision during the COVID-19 pandemic. Legal entity responsible for the study: The authors. Funding: National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland;Promotions Project Phase 2 Research Consolidation Grant. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.