Psychological experience of patients with COVID-19: A Phenomenological Study.

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3><p>Millions of lives have been affected and under psychological distress amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, existing studies mainly focused on the physical or psychological experiences and symptoms in the uninfected public or healthcare providers. There is high risk and difficulty conducting interviews with patients in a COVID-19 ward; consequently, the psychological experiences of patients with COVID-19 have not been adequately explored.</p><h3>Objectives</h3><p>The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the psychological experiences of patients with COVID-19 from prior-to-diagnosis to discharge, as well as the sources of support during hospitalization.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Using a phenomenological approach, we studied 15 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the Taikang Tongji Hospital. We used purposive sampling to recruit 15 study participants. Semi-structured in-depth interviews and observations were used to collect data from each participant. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Fifteen patients with COVID-19 (seven males and eight females) were enrolled in the study. Participants were aged between 13 and 91(M = 55.86, SD = 22.94). Five themes of the psychological experiences were generated from15 patients with COVID-19. These themes are: 1) Misjudgment of the disease before diagnosis; 2) Negative emotions at the diagnosis; 3) Psychological agony during hospitalization; 4) Expectancy towards discharge, and 5) Support during hospitalization.</p><h3>Discussion</h3><p>This study demonstrates that patients with COVID-19 have complicated psychological experiences, from prior-to-diagnosis to discharge. The findings suggest that healthcare providers should be aware of the severe psychological distress of patients with COVID-19 and should develop mental health interventions accordingly.</p>