Disease and Treatment Experiences of COVID-19 Patients: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS The study aimed to explore the perceptions of hospitalized COVID-19 patients' experiences regarding the disease and treatment process. MATERIAL and METHODS The study was carried out as qualitative research at a hospital in Turkey between June 17, 2020 and July 7, 2020. The sample consisted of eight COVID-19 patients hospitalized in service after intensive care treatment. The data were collected through an in-depth individual interview form. Each interview was transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis was performed. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was followed. RESULTS Three main themes were identified for patients' perceptions of the disease experiences and treatment process. The patients experienced negative emotions after being diagnosed with COVID-19, and they spent the isolation and treatment process communicating with their beloved ones over the phone, watching television, and praying. Having an infectious disease caused them to have anxiety and sadness, and they reported satisfaction with the physicians and nurses during the treatment process. CONCLUSION Psychological and sociocultural factors, religious values, and health policies can be effective in patients' perception of disease and treatment. It is recommended for healthcare professionals to be aware of the psychosocial problems of the hospitalized COVID-19 patients during the disease and treatment process, monitor them for post-traumatic stress disorder, and provide the necessary support.