An Assessment of Distress Levels of Patients Undergoing Lung Cancer Q1 Treatment and Surveillance During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 has affected more than Q3 5,119,711 patients with more than 163,651 confirmed deaths reported. The mass media coverage and widespread eruption of illnesses have been associated with adverse mental health outcomes.1 Q4 Cancer patients represent an already- compromised population with elevated levels of anxiety and distress; the introduction of the COVID-19 pandemic places this vulnerable group at an even higher risk for mental health consequences. The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to identify lung cancer patients in our care who demonstrated increased levels of anxiety and distress directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic and to facilitate the acquisition of appropriate care to address their mental health needs. This initiative was designed to aid in the reduction of stress and anxiety in an already burdened population.