Psychosocial care experiences of patients with COVID‐19 at home in Iran: A qualitative study

Abstract

Due to the onset peak of COVID‐19, as well as a shortage of human resources, physical environment, protective and medical equipment in hospitals, many patients with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID‐19 are pushed to home care. This condition not only raises public health concerns but also causes a number of psychosocial problems. Therefore, this study intends to examine the psychosocial experiences of patients with COVID‐19 after passing the crisis stage. A qualitative study with a conventional content analysis method was used. Thirty participants were selected using purposeful sampling from Khoy Educational and Medical Centers from 20 March to 20 June 2020. In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were used to collect data. Data were analysed by continuous comparative analysis using MAXQDA 10 software. The concepts extracted from data analysis identified eight subthemes and three main themes. Social rejection theme includes three subthemes: ‘Insularity of the patient’, ‘Concealment’ and ‘patient as the life‐threatening center’. Lack of support theme consists of three subthemes including: ‘financial concerns’, ‘non‐response of the treatment team after discharge’ and ‘concerns about the persistent condition of the disease’. Efforts to gain mental peace theme has two subthemes: ‘recourse to spirituality’ and ‘strengthening hope’. According to the results of the present study, it is necessary to examine the psychological and social needs of patients. Also, by identifying high‐risk groups, supportive psychological networks such as telephone, internet and on‐site medical services to help patients, medical worker and others affected in overcoming psychological problems should be increased. Providing free service packages such as the Internet, free financial aid to damaged jobs and creating the necessary platforms for online shopping and payment services, as well as training on how to plan and practice rehabilitation at home for patients and family caregivers can be helpful.

Psychological Experiences of Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) during and after Hospitalization: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

“…This paper underlined the fact that patients with COVID-19 required not only medical care for their physical illness, but also emotional support. Psychosocial stresses include comorbidities, social stigma, socioeconomic struggles, and misinformation on social media, as defined in research in other countries as well [ 40 , 54 ]. In order to manage the feelings of doubt, concern, and stress in patients, healthcare professionals are encouraged to educate patients on the therapy options they have against COVID-19, along with updates on their health condition, in order to clarify their illness perception and alleviate mental turmoil through patient empowerment [ 55 , 56 ].…”

Experiences of COVID-19 patients in a Fangcang shelter hospital in China during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative descriptive study

“…Home or hotel isolation experiences of patients with mild COVID-19 have also been explored. Isolation-induced mental health issues were widely reported in these low-acuity self-caring COVID-19 patients owing to lack of social interaction and poor support for essential living and healthcare 20 21. Although several countries implemented centralised isolation strategy using repurposed public spaces which resembled Fangcang shelter hospitals,10 12 13 22 COVID-19 patients’ experiences in these temporary facilities remain unexamined.…”

Intrapersonal and interpersonal level factors influencing self-care practices among Hong Kong individuals with COVID-19—A qualitative study

“…Although self-care management has been considered an important strategy during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, until now, international studies evaluating the effectiveness and implementation of self-care management programmes for COVID-19 are few in number (17)(18)(19)(20), and most of them appear to focus on an individuals' psychological well-being. The self-care experience among Hong Kong individuals with COVID-19 during home quarantine remains unknown.…”