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

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.