A pragmatic dialogue amongst stakeholders on the impact of COVID-19 on Irish cancer patients and healthcare services and lessons learned

Purpose: COVID-19 disrupted cancer care services in Ireland, from screening and diagnostics to treatments, possibly impacting physical health outcomes owing to delayed diagnosis and treatment changes. This study explores how cancer care and patients in Ireland were affected by COVID-19 from the perspective of Irish policy, clinical and patient stakeholders using a qualitative approach. The findings could inform future strategic and implementation plans for the current challenges faced and lessons learned will be identified. Methods: A thematic analysis of a multi-stakeholder online workshop representing policy and clinical and patient stakeholders was completed. Results: The pandemic exasperated prior challenges including under-resourced services, access barriers, staff shortages and lack of interoperability in information technology (IT) systems. Overall, the measures implemented protected cancer patients from COVID-19; however, some groups were more vulnerable, with apparent demographic and socio-economic inequalities. Many hard-fought gains from the previous decade, in terms of cancer screening, diagnosis and survivorship, were eroded. As we transition to the peri-COVID-19 period, staff burnout, poor IT infrastructure and lack of good quality data must be addressed to minimise further disruptions and restore and enhance cancer services. Conclusions: Overall, innovations and measures adopted during the pandemic protected cancer patients; however, some groups were particularly vulnerable, and inequalities may have widened further. Only proven effective and efficient innovations introduced during the pandemic should be retained and enhanced. Good quality data is needed to inform such decisions when choosing amongst them.