Aims
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically transformed the nature and delivery of hospital care. The aim of this study is to research the individual experiences of older adult patients hospitalised with COVID-19 infection to identify the issues encountered, as well as ways in which they were able or unable to adapt to these issues.
Methods
Using a person-centred practice framework, we conducted a qualitative study and invited a purposive sample of older adults to undertake semi-structured telephone interviews. Older adults discharged from a tertiary hospital after hospitalisation with COVID-19, under a geriatric medicine team, were eligible for inclusion. Data was analysed using a thematic approach.
Results
From amongst 16 people interviewed, we identified a number of recurrent themes from their described experiences. The majority acknowledged the necessity of hospitalisation and felt accepting of medical recommendations and the need for adherence. Social isolation due to infection control precautions lead to many feeling lonely which they believed negatively impacted their mental state. Unmet personal care needs, e.g. due to unavailability of staff, was also perceived as a problematic issue for some, leading to feelings of being neglected. Many identified staff shortages as an area of concern.
Conclusions
We identified a number of common themes, both positive and negative, amongst older adults who had been hospitalised with COVID-19. Opportunities to improve the patient experience were also identified. Practical next steps such as increasing the availability of staff and addressing feelings of loneliness may assist in improving the COVID-19 experience for older adults.