Adult Experiences with Hospitalization in Alberta, Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Little is known about the experiences of those hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Our aims were to (a) report on the experiences, (b) compare with historical results, and (c) assess for potential monthly differences of patients hospitalized in the early months of the COVID-19 across Alberta. A random sample of adults was surveyed within 6 weeks of discharge from 93 hospitals, using a modified version of the Canadian Patient Experiences Survey – Inpatient Care (CPES-IC). Discharges from April to September 2020 comprised the “during COVID-19 pandemic” cohort, while April to September 2019 formed the historical one. Results were reported as percent in “top box”, indicative of the most positive answer choice. Odds of reporting a “top box” response were calculated while controlling for demographic and clinical features. In total, 23,412 surveys (11,344 during COVID-19, 12,068 historical) were obtained. Those hospitalized during COVID-19 had higher odds of “top box” ratings on 17 of 39 questions examined, and lower odds on 2 questions (information about the admission process, inclusion of family/friends in care decisions). The remaining 20 questions showed no difference between the 2 cohorts. Our results indicate that respondents hospitalized during the early months of the pandemic had experiences that were largely better or comparable to pre-pandemic. This speaks to the dedication and resilience of staff who provided care during challenging circumstances. Our findings may assist in mitigating fears among those who are hesitant to seek medical care during future pandemics or public health emergencies, including subsequent waves of COVID-19.