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Cancer treatment shared decision-making and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic (CAN-DECIDE): a mixed-methods study
Rebecca A Aslakson1, Rachel Siden2, Laura M Holdsworth2
1Department of Anesthesiology, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, 111 Colchester Ave., West Pavilion 2-240, Burlington, VT, USA. Rebecca.Aslakson@uvmhealth.org.
BMC Palliative Care
|December 30, 2025
Summary
Cancer patients and families navigated COVID-19 disruptions well, but healthcare practitioners faced significant stress and moral distress due to altered cancer care delivery and visitor restrictions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted cancer care delivery and patient experiences.
- Understanding the multifaceted stressors on patients, families, and clinicians was crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the experiences and contributing factors of COVID-related stress among cancer patients, family members, and healthcare practitioners.
- To explore changes in cancer care during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods study was conducted involving cancer patients, family caregivers, and cancer and palliative care practitioners.
- Data collection included surveys and in-depth interviews over a defined period during the pandemic.
Main Results:
- Patients and caregivers reported satisfaction with care and were often unaware of pandemic-related changes, with quality of life not directly linked to COVID surges.
- Practitioners reported significant disruptions, anxiety, fatigue, and moral distress, with visitor restrictions negatively impacting care.
- All participant groups acknowledged the negative impact of visitor restrictions on care delivery.
Conclusions:
- Cancer patients generally coped well with pandemic-related disruptions, while clinicians experienced substantial stress.
- Findings highlight the need for improved disaster preparedness and policy development in cancer care institutions.
- Addressing practitioner well-being and mitigating the impact of restrictions are critical for future pandemic response in oncology.
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