COVID-19 - Initial Lockdown: Implications on Cancer Treatment among Palliative Care Outpatients

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Palliative Care
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns presented significant challenges to healthcare systems globally.
• Palliative care patients, particularly those undergoing oncological treatments, faced unique vulnerabilities during this period.
• Disruptions to routine care can have profound impacts on patient outcomes and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the initial lockdown measures on palliative oncological treatments.
• To assess the extent of treatment interruptions and deferrals among palliative care outpatients with cancer.
• To understand the implications for patient care and identify areas for enhanced support.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective chart review was conducted.
• Data were collected from patients attending a palliative care outpatient clinic between April 21 and May 12, 2020.
• Sociodemographic information and details of palliative oncological treatments were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Out of 107 patients, 20% experienced interruptions in palliative oncological treatment, and 3.5% had treatments deferred.
• Homecare services were also affected for approximately 12.2% of patients.
• A significant proportion of patients were unemployed (63%) and faced transportation challenges (40.2%).

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures demonstrably affected palliative oncological treatments for cancer outpatients.
• The long-term consequences of interrupted or deferred treatments on patient outcomes require ongoing monitoring.
• Palliative care teams need to strengthen patient and caregiver support to ensure non-abandonment and maintain continuum of care during unprecedented health crises.