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 follow-up 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.
2022. Vol. 54, article id jrm00327
persistent symptoms;COVID-19; qualitative research; coping strategies; inpatient; activities of daily living; follow-up study; lived experience; return to work; rehabilitation