[Experiences of patients with cancer during the first COVID-19 lockdown: What was the impact on the patients' healthcare pathway, mental condition, and access to supportive care in cancer?] / Ressenti des patients atteints de cancer pendant le premier confinement COVID-19 : quel impact sur le parcours de soins, l'état mental et l'accès aux soins oncologiques de support ?

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the organisation of the healthcare system. Very little data is available regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients' perceptions of their healthcare pathway. The objective of this survey was to evaluate cancer patients' perceptions of the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown on continuity of care, their mental condition, as well as their access to Supportive Care in Cancer (SCC). METHODS: Between June 2nd and 30th, 2020, an anonymous questionnaire was sent out to the patients who visited 17 healthcare establishments in the Centre-Val de Loire region. RESULTS: Our survey questioned 861 patients, amongst which 839 were selected. The population was predominantly female (58%). Breast cancer was the most represented (27%). Approximately three patients out of four considered that their care was maintained during the lockdown. In total, 348 patients (44%) reported an altered mental status. Approximately 1/4th of patients benefited from SCC. More than half of the patients felt that SCC was not relevant to their situation, although 40% of these patients expressed mental issues. CONCLUSION: Our survey highlighted a negative impact on patients' mental condition and a low use of SCC in spite of existing needs. This demonstrates the necessity of evaluating the patients' needs and offering adequate SCC at various stages of the healthcare pathway, as well as the need for a clearly identifiable offer for the healthcare professionals and the patients.