Experiences and challenges of healthcare professionals in oncological surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges not only to healthcare systems but also to healthcare professionals. This study explores the experiences, perceptions, and perceived burdens of healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients undergoing oncological surgery during the pandemic, with a particular focus on clinical staff working in hospital-based care in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. METHODS: A qualitative, interpretive-hermeneutic approach was employed using one focus group and one individual semi-structured interview. Participants were healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients undergoing oncological surgery. The focus group included 12 participants, and one additional participant took part in an individual interview. The transcripts were independently coded and analytically annotated by two researchers and systematically analyzed in an iterative process using MAXQDA. The analysis combined deductively informed codes derived from the interview guide with inductively developed codes emerging from the data. The study was reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) reporting statement. RESULTS: In September 2024, one focus group and one individual interview were conducted with a total of 13 participants, predominantly nurses and nursing assistants. Nine categories were identified. Participants described substantial emotional, professional, and organizational burdens during the COVID-19 pandemic, including stress, anxiety, increased demands, uncertainty, and difficulties in maintaining usual standards of patient care. Participants also reported challenges related to postponed or adapted oncological treatments, communication with patients under infection-control measures, postoperative care under capacity constraints, team collaboration, and the availability and use of personal protective equipment. Political measures, changing regulations, and the occupational vaccination mandate were perceived by participants as sources of uncertainty, frustration, and reduced autonomy. Despite these challenges, participants also described experiences of team cohesion and professional commitment. Participants expressed a need for clearer guidance, accessible contact persons, psychosocial support, supervision, and greater involvement in decision-making. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that healthcare professionals involved in hospital-based oncological surgical care experienced substantial emotional, ethical, and organizational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants' accounts indicate that pandemic preparedness should extend beyond infection control and include clear communication, consistent guidance, psychosocial support, supervision, and adequate organizational resources. Given the small, convenience-based, and predominantly nursing sample, these findings should be interpreted as context-specific accounts rather than as representative of healthcare professionals in oncological surgery as a whole.