Listening to COVID-19 survivors: what they need after early discharge from hospital - a qualitative study.
Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2022;
17:2030001. [PMID:
35080475 PMCID:
PMC8925923 DOI:
10.1080/17482631.2022.2030001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the post-discharge experience and needs of COVID-19 survivors.
Methods
A qualitative study was conducted. A total of 16 post-discharge COVID-19 patients aged 31–68 years were recruited. The semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone one month after discharge and were analysed by Colaizzi’s 7-step method.
Results
The post-discharge experience of COVID-19 patients were classified into four categories and ten subcategories. Category I: physiological problems consisted of physical sequelae (such as fatigue, shortness of breath, sleep disorder, chest pain) and a lack of physical rehabilitation guidance. Category II: psychological issues included anxiety, depression, fear, and psychological trauma. Category III: social issues included social stigma and financial stress. Category IV: positive experience and change included gratitude to social support and cherishing life and family.
Conclusions
COVID-19 survivors urgently need guidance for physical rehabilitation and psychological growth, social support provisions, and protection from social stigma. The experience of COVID-19 survivors is significant for planning healthcare management systems and guiding public health prevention efforts.
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