Dr Julie Walabyeki J.Walabyeki@hull.ac.uk
Lecturer in Primary Care
TRANSFORM: YCR Cancercare: Experiences of diagnostic pathways and cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic
People Involved
Mr Matthew Dell
Professor Michael Lind M.J.Lind@hull.ac.uk
Foundation Professor of Oncology/ Head of the Joint Centre for Cancer Studies
Dr Elizabeth Mitchell
Professor Una Macleod U.M.Macleod@hull.ac.uk
Professor of Primary Care Medicine
Dr Olufikayo Bamidele O.Bamidele@hull.ac.uk
NIHR Advanced Fellow
Project Description
The global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has led to the disruption of cancer care services, as healthcare resources (personnel, facilities) were reprioritised to respond to the pandemic. The implications of this for cancer outcomes and patients’ psychosocial wellbeing cannot be underestimated, particularly in the UK which has the highest COVID-19 mortality rate in Europe. To reduce community spread and minimise pressure on the NHS, a lockdown period (March-June 2020) was enforced, and high-risk groups (including cancer patients) were mandated to self-isolate and avoid social contact. Face-to-face medical consultations were replaced by telephone/video consultations, and elective surgery was postponed. Patients reported fear of consulting for symptoms or attending investigative or specialist appointments, and there has been a 76% drop in urgent cancer referrals and a 60% reduction in chemotherapy attendance. The urgent reconfiguration of secondary care delivery (e.g. treatment changes) led to further deterioration of cancer outcomes and increased anxiety among diagnosed patients and their families. It is likely therefore, that care was disrupted not only for patients with potential cancer symptoms, but also for those who were already on the diagnostic pathway in March 2020, or who had an established cancer diagnosis pre-lockdown but were still undergoing/awaiting treatment.
The key role played by healthcare professionals (HCPs) and social networks in providing support for cancer patients at critical stages of their illness journey is well established. Hence, the likely impact of self-isolation and changes in cancer care delivery on illness experience and psychosocial wellbeing of cancer patients cannot be underestimated. However, this is currently poorly understood, since cancer care research conducted during the pandemic has been predominantly quantitative. Consequently, qualitative research is needed to provide useful insights to inform policy and practice for improved patient experience in cancer care during immediate and future pandemics. This will be key to maintaining existing gains around early diagnosis, and achieving the NHS’ long-term plan of improved cancer services shaped by an understanding of patients’ experiences and their suggestions for improved care.
| Project Acronym | YCR Cancercare |
|---|---|
| Status | Project Complete |
| Funder(s) | Yorkshire Cancer Research |
| Value | £125,927.00 |
| Project Dates | Apr 1, 2021 - Oct 31, 2024 |
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