Table 3 Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on people with LTCs Summary of themes (and subthemes)

1) High levels of fear and anxiety related to perceived consequences of catching COVID-19

Heightened awareness of risk due to LTC

Fear of hospitalisation, ventilation and death

2) Impact of shielding/isolation on mental health and wellbeing

Concerns about access to essential supplies

Immediate social network strongly influenced experience of shielding

Loss of independence and reliance on others

Feeling safe versus feeling isolated

3) Experience of healthcare during the pandemic

Move to remote interaction with healthcare services mostly positive

Mixed views of attending healthcare settings in person

Postponement of non-essential treatments

Threat of disruption to cancer treatments created stress and anxiety

4) Anxiety created by uncertainty about the future

Impact of pandemic on treatment access with progression of LTC

Fear of restrictions being relaxed and plans to continue isolating

Not having an end in sight

Acceptance most protective for mental health