Judith Eberhardt, Benjamin Gibson, Robert M. Portman, Nikki Carthy, Sam Rowlands, Rachel Batchelor, Laura Kane, Stephanie Kılınç
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Despite increasing recognition of long COVID, the psychosocial impacts of the lived experience on individuals remain underexplored. This systematic review sought to fill this gap by identifying key themes that describe the psychosocial dimensions of long COVID.
Objective
The aim of this study is to identify key themes illustrating the psychosocial aspects of individuals' lived experience of long COVID.
Search Strategy
Searches were conducted in multiple databases and grey literature sources for qualitative studies published between November 2019 and June 2024.
Inclusion Criteria
Eligible studies involved adult participants self-reporting long COVID. The studies needed to provide qualitative data that could be synthesised thematically.
Data Extraction and Synthesis
Data extraction and thematic synthesis were conducted by at least two independent reviewers at each stage. Quality appraisal was performed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool.
Results
The review included 34 studies. Thematic synthesis yielded five themes: ‘Debilitation’, ‘Uncertainty’, ‘Sources of Support’, ‘Meaning Making: Adjusting to a New Normal’ and ‘Experiences with Healthcare Services’. Individuals with long COVID reported experiencing physical, economic, and social challenges. Uncertainty and scepticism from others caused anxiety. Support from healthcare services, friends and online groups played an important role. Acceptance and gratitude were found to be meaningful in adjusting to the new normal. Experiences with healthcare services varied.
Discussion and Conclusions
This review provides valuable insights into the psychosocial impact of long COVID, highlighting the profound changes and challenges that individuals face. Healthcare services should adopt a holistic approach to integrate psychosocial support within their management strategies, to improve overall patient outcomes.
期刊介绍:
Health Expectations promotes critical thinking and informed debate about all aspects of patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in health and social care, health policy and health services research including:
• Person-centred care and quality improvement
• Patients'' participation in decisions about disease prevention and management
• Public perceptions of health services
• Citizen involvement in health care policy making and priority-setting
• Methods for monitoring and evaluating participation
• Empowerment and consumerism
• Patients'' role in safety and quality
• Patient and public role in health services research
• Co-production (researchers working with patients and the public) of research, health care and policy
Health Expectations is a quarterly, peer-reviewed journal publishing original research, review articles and critical commentaries. It includes papers which clarify concepts, develop theories, and critically analyse and evaluate specific policies and practices. The Journal provides an inter-disciplinary and international forum in which researchers (including PPIE researchers) from a range of backgrounds and expertise can present their work to other researchers, policy-makers, health care professionals, managers, patients and consumer advocates.