فهرست مطالب pooneh pirjani

Patients with cancer are among the groups that are vulnerable to the COVID-19 crisis. Identifying the factors affecting the process of healthcare provision can improve the health services provided to cancer patients. Therefore, this study aimed to explain stakeholders’ perception of the healthcare services provided to cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present qualitative study was conducted using the conventional content analysis method in Iran in 2021. Participants included cancer patients, their families, and healthcare providers, who were selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected through 19 individual interviews and two focus groups and then analyzed using the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. Qualitative data analysis revealed seven main categories, including the disruption of care continuity, reduced quality of health services, poor provision of community-based services, lack of comprehensive care, lack of public education, predicting changes in cancer incidence and mortality trends, and ethical challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed cancer patients to many challenges, including limited access to health services. Therefore, there is a need to facilitate these patients’ access to safe healthcare services.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, care for cancer patients may be disrupted for several reasons, leading to disease progression. Home-Based palliative care, if properly managed, can provide easy and safe access to care services for these patients. This study aimed to explore stakeholders’ perceptions of home-based palliative care for cancer patients during the pandemic.

This qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis in Tehran, Iran, in 2021. By purposeful sampling, 19 participants, including cancer patients receiving home-based care services from the Iranian Cancer Control Center (MACSA) and their families, as well as the homecare providers, were recruited. The study data were generated by conducting 19 semi-structured interviews and a focus group session and analyzed based on the method proposed by Lundman and Graneheim.

Qualitative analysis of the data revealed 5 main categories: “need for remote services”, “disease transmission reduction”, “management requirements”, “burnout”, and “reducing hospital workload.” 

The use of telemedicine, the existence of call centers, and the designing of appropriate guidelines, along with the help of qualified personnel, prevent the transmission of COVID-19 to cancer patients in-home palliative care and lead to the provision of comprehensive care to these patients. This approach to care helps avert staff burnout and reduces the number of occupied beds in hospitals.