Discussion
cancer, life-threatening diseases, PIKKO cancer
REGRESSION, CANCER
It was the aim of this supplementary survey to identify the restrictions and burdens of the pandemic containment strategies on the PIKKO cancer patients and thus on the PIKKO study itself.To this aim, we surveyed participants and analyzed these data using frequency analyses and linear regression analyses to determine which factors more strongly influenced patients’ perceived burden.Our first hypothesis that cancer patients in the PIKKO study felt restricted by the COVID-19 strategies, especially those affected by the lockdown (regarding PIKKO), can be confirmed. Fears of an impact on recovery were expected by the patients, which was similarly found by the online survey of the PRIO Working Group [Two of the greatest burdens of the COVID-19 lockdown were posed by the „ban on visits to the wards“ and „no accompanying persons“, two conditions that were a great imposition for patients with life-threatening diseases such as cancer with an increased need for assistance [Burdens due to change of appointments were also reported. Even though Fröhling et al. [The second hypothesis, that the restrictions caused a decrease in the use of person-centered intervention modules, can only be partially confirmed. The data showed that PN, as well as the SCS counseling and course service and the knowledge database, continued to be used, but in an adapted form. Briefly at the beginning of the lockdown, there were more contacts to the PN, especially live contacts. Many PNs were employed in clinics. This presumably responded to the ban on visits to the ward for inpatients. SCS also reported significantly more telephone consultations during the months of the lockdown. The SCS expanded this offer when face-to-face contact was restricted. Some offerings, such as nutrition courses, were limited, while outdoor Nordic Walking was offered continuously. These types of restrictions were also reported by Fröhling et al. in cancer care centers, in which there were restrictions on psycho-oncology, nutrition and exercise therapies, and social counseling for up to 12 weeks [The present survey revealed that the pandemic had negative effects on the medical care of cancer patients. Supportive offers such as counseling by PNs in clinics or by SCS counselors via phone, as well as adapting and maintaining other services such as exercise programs, are possible and necessary to mitigate the negative aspects of the pandemic restrictions. Others also reported good uptake for new telepsychological services during pandemic periods [