Figuring Out Life After Covid-19: a Qualitative Study From Sweden

To obtain a deeper understanding of the daily life experiences of working aged people during the year following hospitalization due to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), with a focus on function-ing in daily life and return to work.

An explorative qualitative study using individual interviews.

A purposive sample was selected of persons who had received inpatient hospital care, had been discharged approximately 1 year previously and were of working age.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 participants (9 men, 2 women). The interviews were transcribed and analysed with inductive thematic analysis.

Four themes were identified. Navigating health, with or without support from healthcare, was described as challenging when managing consequences of COVID-19. Participants struggled with a lack of energy that interfered with daily life. It was a trial-and-error process trying to use familiar strategies in new ways to manage. The return to work process was facilitated by own strategies and support.

This study contributes increased knowledge of everyday life experiences of people 1 year following hospitalization due to COVID-19. The lack of energy and a struggle to manage health while navigating the healthcare system emphasize the importance of strengthening personal and organizational health literacy to facilitate the recovery process after severe COVID-19.