Lessons in Patient Behaviors in Those Hospitalized With COVID-19: A Qualitative Analysis

Introduction: Hospitalized COVID-19 patients face a complex clinical course, but less is known about their subjective experiences, perceptions of care, recovery and how those experiences may impact their future healthcare choices. This study aimed to characterize the lived experiences of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, with particular focus on symptom perception, treatment communication, vaccine attitudes, and post-discharge recovery. We hypothesized that patients’ perspectives would reveal key psychosocial and care delivery gaps that could inform future patient-centered interventions and guide healthcare systems to more comprehensive patient focused protocols.


Methods: We conducted a descriptive qualitative analysis of 56 semi-structured interviews with adult patients hospitalized for COVID-19 across three hospitals in Utah from January to December 2021. Interviews were conducted 1–6 weeks post-discharge via video conferencing, which were further audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically coded. A multidisciplinary team of analysts and clinicians used an iterative process of coding and theme construction based on layers of review and discussion to derive consensus. The study adhered to COREQ guidelines.


Results: Five major themes emerged: (1) Perception of risk; (2) Illness and communication desires; (3) Acute Illness Recovery Challenges; (4) Long-term psychosocial burden; and (5) Vaccine specific risk perception and plans. Perceived global uncertainty about COVID-19 illness in general contributed to recurring expressed sentiments of inconsistent public messaging, and chaotic hospitalizations. Additionally, a general lack of awareness regarding recognition of the potential severity of symptoms was a frequent finding.


Conclusions: Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 experienced significant psychological and functional burdens extending beyond discharge. In-hospital communication challenges and lack of perceived autonomy contributed to emotional trauma and hindered recovery. Hospitalization often shifted vaccine perceptions, suggesting direct illness experience can alter health behavior. These findings underscore the need for informed, communication-sensitive care models and post-discharge psychosocial support for COVID-19 survivors.