Lessons Learned From the COVID-19 Pandemic as Experienced by Older Adults Treated for COVID-19

Abstract

Background In order to provide the best care, the perspective of older COVID-19 patients must be involved in the development of treatment protocols. This study describes the experiences of older adults affected by COVID-19 who recovered in the hospital or at home. Methods Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 older adults affected by COVID-19. A content-based thematic analysis was conducted. Results Nine categories were identified as recurring topics, which were grouped into three major themes. The first theme describes experiences in the first phase of the disease when older adults fell ill. The second theme includes experiences during the illness, ranging from illness severity to participation in decision-making, communication barriers and isolation effects. The final theme covers the recovery course, residual symptoms and social aspects. Conclusion Older adults treated for COVID-19 experienced a feeling of being in a fast-paced whirlwind and lost total control over the situation. Extra attention should be paid to shared decision making, coordinated information provision and the instalment of a primary contract to the patient. The uncertainty of their situation, isolation measures and fears could result in psychological consequences and hinder rehabilitation in older adults.

Experiences of Social Isolation in Older Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 and Their Close Relatives: A Qualitative Study

“…During this period and unless the patients were critically ill, the HCPs were the only physical human contact as face-to-face behind a mask the COVID-19-infected patients had during their hospitalization. Literature produced before and during the pandemic states that loneliness and depression are central features of patients in isolation [11] [12] [13] [14]. Systematic reviews of patients' experiences during isolation indicate higher anxiety, stress, and lack of control [15] [16] [17].…”