Psychosocial care experiences of patients with COVID-19 at home in Iran: A qualitative study

Due to the onset peak of COVID-19, as well as a shortage of human resources, physical environment, protective and medical equipment in hospitals, many patients with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 are pushed to home care. This condition not only raises public health concerns but also causes a number of psychosocial problems. Therefore, this study intends to examine the psychosocial experiences of patients with COVID-19 after passing the crisis stage. A qualitative study with a conventional content analysis method was used. Thirty participants were selected using purposeful sampling from Khoy Educational and Medical Centers from 20 March to 20 June 2020. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data were analysed by continuous comparative analysis using MAXQDA 10 software. The concepts extracted from data analysis identified eight subthemes and three main themes. Social rejection theme includes three subthemes: 'Insularity of the patient', 'Concealment' and 'patient as the life-threatening center'. Lack of support theme consists of three subthemes including: 'financial concerns', 'non-response of the treatment team after discharge' and 'concerns about the persistent condition of the disease'. Efforts to gain mental peace theme has two subthemes: 'recourse to spirituality' and 'strengthening hope'. According to the results of the present study, it is necessary to examine the psychological and social needs of patients. Also, by identifying high-risk groups, supportive psychological networks such as telephone, internet and on-site medical services to help patients, medical worker and others affected in overcoming psychological problems should be increased. Providing free service packages such as the Internet, free financial aid to damaged jobs and creating the necessary platforms for online shopping and payment services, as well as training on how to plan and practice rehabilitation at home for patients and family caregivers can be helpful.