Consequences of the Corona crisis on outpatient oncological care – a qualitative study among nurses and medical assistants

Abstract

Introduction The Covid-19 pandemic has caused great personal stress for medical staff. To ensure adequate outpatient care for cancer patients, extensive safety and hygiene measures must be taken. This interview-based study examines the effects–both personal and professional–of the pandemic on the work routine of outpatient hematology/oncology nurses and medical assistants. Patients, materials and methods Half a year after the outbreak of Covid-19 and the introduction of infection control regulations in three outpatient hematological/oncological centers, the affected medical staff (n = 15) were surveyed about the consequences for patient care and clinical work using audio-recorded telephone interviews. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a qualitative content analysis. Results The Covid-19 pandemic has complicated the medical care of cancer patients, but only a slight deterioration of medical and psycho-oncological care was observed. The level of stress experienced by medical staff is moderate, with hygiene and safety measures at the workplace helping to reduce stress. Conclusion From the point of view of medical staff, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a moderate impact on the outpatient care of cancer patients. Safety measures against Covid-19 are decisive for ensuring the continuation of therapy and for motivating employees.