THE INFLUENCE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON PATIENTS AT AN ONCOLOGY OUTPATIENT: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, measures taken to mitigate the spread of the virus have affected the general population, including patients diagnosed with cancer. The pandemic has had an incalculable impact around the world, seriously affecting health systems, including the oncology service. The objective was to identify the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients who had their diagnosis in the pandemic period at the oncology outpatient clinic of CEMI in Imperatriz, Maranhão and its effect on the search for medical service. Descriptive, observational, retrospective and qualitative study carried out from December 2021 to May 2022. The research consisted of patients diagnosed with cancer from the oncology outpatient clinic of CEMI (Centro de Especialidades Médicas de Imperatriz). Data were obtained from the application of a validated questionnaire adapted from Reis DR et. Al, 2021. The sample consists of 44 participants. Thematic analysis revealed the following themes: (1) increased psychological distress; (2) risk of COVID-19 infection in the clinic; (3) possible impact on cancer prognosis; (4) social isolation and less family relationships; (5) increased domestic responsibilities; (6) hygienic quarantine measures; (7) fear and the media; (8) teleconsultation. In this scenario, the present study evaluated the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the oncological environment of the Centro de Especialidades Médicas de Imperatriz and identified that the pandemic led to a decrease in the search for medical services by patients, in addition to the fact that the patients described that the reduction of the family contact, constant and at times inappropriate media information and increased financial difficulty had an impact on physical and psychological well-being in the pandemic.