Emergency preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perceptions of oncology professionals and implications for nursing management from a qualitative study

Aim: To explore oncology health care professionals' perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Background: The pandemic has created health care delivery challenges globally and many countries have exhibited low readiness and emergency preparedness.

Methods: A descriptive design using a qualitative approach was employed. Semi-structured interviews, which were completed via telephone, were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was conducted.

Results: Participants (N = 30) were mostly registered nurses (70%). Three themes emerged: (1) ability to adapt and operationalize disaster planning, training and restructure nursing models (subtheme: reactive vs. proactive approach to emergency preparedness); (2) COVID-19 task forces and professional organisations were critical for valid information surrounding the pandemic; and (3) recommendations for emergency preparedness/planning for future pandemics.

Conclusion: Oncology organisations adapted during the pandemic, but policies and procedures were perceived as reactive and not proactive. Recommendations for planning for future pandemics included (1) adequate personal protective equipment, (2) developing cancer-specific guidelines/algorithms and (3) telehealth training related to billing/reimbursement. Professional organisations were reliable resources of information during the pandemic, but oncology professionals ultimately trusted employers and administration to distribute information needed for safe patient care.

Implications for nursing management: Frontline nurses should hold positions on task forces to develop future emergency preparedness.