During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, intensive care unit (ICU) patients were prone to biopsychosocial health deficits, necessitating support to ensure health-related quality of life, and in returning to society after discharge To describe the experiences of COVID-19 survivors, and to explore their perceptions and experiences of interventions implemented by the multidisciplinary team during and after their COVID-19 ICU hospitalisation. A narrative inquiry involving sixteen South African COVID-19 ICU survivors was employed. Convenience sampling via social media invitations was used. The invitation link enabled participants to share written narratives that were followed up telephonically where needed. Transcribed interviews were analysed through thematic analysis. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: the participants’ experiences (physical, psychological, and psychosocial) of COVID-19 ICU, the effect of the pandemic on ICU healthcare workers and hospital intake procedures, factors that facilitated recovery, and post-discharge challenges. The experiences of South African COVID-19 ICU survivors were similar to physical, psychological and social effects previously reported. However, despite the absence of external support due to COVID-19-related challenges, patients supported themselves through internal coping methods such as spirituality. Challenges after discharge, however, were like those experienced in the COVID-19 ICU, suggesting neglected rehabilitation, and support prior to discharge.
Linde et al. (Wed,) studied this question.