Cancer Care Experiences, Resilience, and Psychological Symptoms Among Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Abstract

Problem statement: The aims of this study were to characterize patients' distress, psychological symptoms, and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to evaluate differences in the experiences, resilience, and psychological symptoms of patients with and without distress.

Design: Convergent parallel mixed-methods.

Data sources: Semistructured interviews and structured questionnaires.

Analysis: Interview transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. Differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, depression, anxiety, and resilience were identified using chi-square, Fisher's exact, and independent sample t tests. Joint displays facilitated data integration and meta-inferences.

Findings: Of 54 patients, 25 patients who were distressed were more likely to have low resilience, exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression, report difficulty paying their bills, and identify as Hispanic.

Implications for practice: A patient-centered approach to cancer care in which clinicians assess psychological, social, and economic resources and make referrals to supportive care services is warranted.