ABSTRACT
Objective: To qualitatively analyze experiences and reflections of COVID-19 patients about their journey through illness and reflections about anguish and suffering. Materials and methods: Setting: The study was carried out at Shree Krishna Hospital, Karamsad - a government-designated COVID tertiary care center in central Gujarat during the second wave of COVID. Study design: A investigator-designed interview guide was prepared to capture experiences and reflections of patients suffering from/ those recently recovered from COVID-19 to capture responses to illness and experiences through the journey of illness. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted and audio recorded. Participants' selection: Eight patients who were of mild illness and 8 patients who were of moderate or severe illness (total 16), who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected by random, convenient sampling method. They were interviewed after their recovery from acute illness. The interview was recorded. Data analysis: To organize data, we used thematic analysis, coupled with a validated conceptual model of clinician-surrogate communication. Qualitative analysis of the audio recordings was carried out as per standard protocols. The steps of Collaizi's phenomenological data analysis were followed. Results: 1. Unprecedented illness, unplanned and abrupt hospitalization and inability to have access to the comforting presence of family members were identified as the most significant experiences reported by all patients. It was observed in patients of all severity and in both genders and at all ages. Patients also reported that their family members too were missing them during the illness like no other. 2. In the resulting situation, they looked for the needed emotional support from the treating physicians and healthcare team. 3. A number of themes emerged from the interviews. Inferring from a validated conceptual model, we finalized 2 domains for our coding: inner strength and relationship building. 4. In the domain of inner strength, we coded To have the support of next of kin, The wish to go on living, seen by a doctor, and health care professionals' positivity for him/her. 5. In relationship building, we coded emotional support, trust, and consensus as the key elements. Patients reported that they wanted timely, accurate information about their condition and an interaction with a healthcare professional and their keen too. 6. The presence of family members was reported by all patients as the most crucial factor which could make them strong from within and facilitate overcoming the crisis of his/her own as well as enhance the comfort of their family. Conclusion: 1. Factors contributing to phenomenal suffering that COVID had produced are: (i) unprecedented illness, unplanned and abrupt hospitalization, (ii) inaccessibility of comforting presence of family members. 2. Correspondingly, factors potentially capable of reducing the anguish and suffering were: (i) one's inner strength supplanted by communication with family,(ii) one's wish to go on living, (iii) to be seen and comforted by a doctor on time, and (iv) healthcare professionals' positivity for him/her.