Listening to COVID-19 survivors: what they need after early discharge from hospital - a qualitative study

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.