Beskrivelse
BackgroundResearch in Denmark indicates that approximately 30% of people with confirmed COVID-19 infection
experience at least one physical symptom 6-12 months after the acute infection. Research is needed to
unfold the lived experiences of undergoing prolonged recovery processes.
Aim
This study aims to contribute in-depth knowledge about recovery, as experienced over time by people
living with the post-COVID-19 condition.
Methods
The study took a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. Within a longitudinal design, nine women
and six men were interviewed, and ten gave follow-up interviews. Prompt cards and participantgenerated
photographs were included. Data underwent a three-phased analysis inspired by Ricoeur’s
theory of interpretation.
Results
Living with long-term health problems associated with the post-COVID-19 condition involved recovery
processes where participants struggled with reduced capacity, new unpredictability, and uncertainty in
everyday life. Participants continuously searched for improvement and aimed to regain former health
and well-being. Lack of knowledge, acknowledgment, and support made it difficult to find clear directions
for improvement. Participants created a protective shield and struggled, often jointly with family and
friends, to cope with bodily, cognitive, emotional, existential, and social challenges. Over time, some
participants realized that they might not be able to return to their earlier habitus fully. Nevertheless,
some of them gained a new foothold and a sense of hope for the future.
Conclusion
Living with the post-COVID-19 condition exposes people to massive change and open-ended recovery
processes. Recovery processes involve learning to deal with illness-related troubles that may be
persistent or chronic rather than transient. Some manage to rebuild everyday life while adapting to their
reduced capacities. Given that recovery processes related to the post COVID-19 condition seem
unpredictable and open-ended, future care and rehabilitation should address the fluctuating nature of the
condition and consider the multi-faceted challenges of COVID-19 symptoms experienced by patients.
Hence, there is a need for interdisciplinary care and rehabilitation addressing the demanding—and
ongoing—search for a brighter future for people with the post-COVID-19 condition. Such initiatives can
profit from being nurse-led.
| Periode | 4. okt. 2024 |
|---|---|
| Begivenhedstitel | Nordic Conference of Nursing Research |
| Begivenhedstype | Konference |
| Placering | Stockholm, SverigeVis på kort |
| Grad af anerkendelse | International |