PICo SM Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Patients with Solid Malignancies: A Single-Institution Survey Study
IRAS ID
292413
Contact name
Konstantinos-Vellios Kamposioras
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
CFTSp196, Christie sponsor reference
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 1 days
Research summary
"Research Summary"
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent government-imposed restrictions have undeniably resulted in unprecedented changes to the life of patients with cancer. It has become more evident that patients with cancer may be at significant risk of higher morbidity and mortality when infected with SARS-CoV-2, which is understandably causing anxiety amongst both patients and their oncology team. In this project, we aim to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and general wellbeing of patients diagnosed with solid malignancies by utilising a range of non-invasive questionnaires (GAD-7, PHQ-9, PC-PTSD-5, WHO-5 and wellbeing thermometer) at two time points and referral to support services when needed. This study is designed to be reactive and adaptive to an ever-changing situation. It is essential to understand both the short- and long- term psychological consequences of COVID-19 on our patients to better inform the institute, and other regional and national stakeholders of the scale of the issue, in order to recommend necessary measures and resources required to address this important issue.
"Lay summary of results"
Cancer patients' lives have been changed in a completely new and unpredicted way by the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked people with colorectal cancer at a major cancer centre in the UK to complete a prospective longitudinal questionnaire study to find out how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their mental health and well-being.Two different groups of patients were invited to take part in the study. The first group was asked to take part in April 2021 and then again six months later. The second group was asked to take part between December 2021 and February 2022, and then again six months later.
A total of 312 patients with colorectal cancer (216 from the first group and 96 from the second group) took part in the study. The average age of the participants was 65 years, the majority were British and almost 60% were men.
One in four of those in the first group who completed the psychometric screening assessment said they had anxiety, 15% said they had depressive symptoms, 3% said they probably had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 31% said they had low well-being. There was a big jump in the number of people at risk of depression 6 months later (4% vs. 13%). Concern about how the COVID-19 pandemic might affect one's mental health is associated with a higher risk of anxiety, depression and poor health, the study shows.
27% of the second group who took part in 2022 said they felt anxious. 11% said they felt depressed. 33% had low well-being and 3% had PTSD. Statistical analysis showed that people who had their tests cancelled or who thought the pandemic would affect their mental health were more likely to be anxious. Concern that the pandemic would affect their cancer treatment or mental health was also a strong predictor of poor well-being.
Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge problem for cancer patients, healthcare systems, and doctors around the world. A small group of colorectal cancer patients were more likely to experience poor well-being, anxiety and/or depression, according to our study. However, the main concerns consistently reported by most participants were about important aspects of their cancer care, particularly testing and treatment. This shows that strong national and local backup plans should be in place for future emergencies to ensure that cancer patients can continue to receive appropriate care.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
21/WA/0021
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jan 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion