BACK TO LIFE: IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE MYSELF AGAIN? A QUALITATIVE STUDY WITH PERSONS INITIALLY HOSPITALIZED DUE TO COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: To gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of patients with COVID-19, regarding rehabilitation, work and social life 6 months after hospital discharge. Design: An explorative qualitative study with individual interviews. Subjects: Patients of working age with persistent self-reported symptoms at a 3-month followup who had received inpatient hospital care with discharge approximately 6 months previously were purposively sampled. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were performed with 10 men and 5 women. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed with inductive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified: “Social support – crucial, but decreased over time”, “Varying needs of, and access to, rehabilitation”, “Returning to work after COVID-19 – crucial for future prospects” and “An overwhelming experience that essentially changed one’s personality”. Conclusion: Rehabilitation provided participants with the valuable tools for recovery, giving them hope for future recovery. Support from next of kin was highly valued, creating stronger family bonds. A new meaning and greater appreciation of life was expressed.