Lived experiences of COVID-19 patients admitted in isolation wards of healthcare centers in Peshawar, Pakistan: A phenomenological perspective

The emergence of COVID-19 caused a significant global threat, affecting populations worldwide. Its impact extended beyond just physical health, as it inflicted severe damage and challenges to individuals' well-being, leading to a deterioration in mental health. The lived experiences of patients hold a paramount position to explore and understand their perception of care which can ultimately strengthen the health system's delivery domain. This study explores the lived experiences of patients in the isolation ward, their recovery, and the quality of care being provided in the hospital and its effects on their mental health.

Study design

A phenomenological qualitative study using in-depth interviews.

Methods

We conducted 11 in-depth interviews of COVID-19 patients admitted to the isolation ward of the public hospitals of Peshawar, Pakistan. Participants who stayed for a minimum of 10 days in an isolation ward were included in this study. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo 12 software and generated five themes through inductive analysis.

Results

Five themes emerged from the participants' lived experiences: Heading towards the hospital, Health Care Quality, Impact on Mental Health, Recovering from COVID-19 and Back on one's feet. These included all the positive and negative lived experiences. Socio-environmental factors along with their experiences of the disease itself and with the healthcare providers guided their reaction which was important conciliators in their experiences during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, the environment of isolation had a major influence on the mental well-being of the individuals involved. Considering the important role of the ward environment in shaping patient experiences and outcomes prompts a reevaluation of healthcare practices and policies. By addressing these factors healthcare systems can strive for greater effectiveness, resilience, and compassion in managing the pandemic's impact on patient care.