Navigating Uncertainty: A Qualitative Study on the Hospitalization Experience of COVID-19 Patients

This study examines the hospitalization experience of COVID-19 patients in public hospitals in the Thessaly Region of the Greek territory. The ultimate goal is to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the subjective experience of hospitalization. A qualitative study design was employed in this study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 patients. Four categories emerged when analyzing the data: (a) personal experience, (b) the unknown nature of the disease, (c) causal attributions and meaning-making, and (d) mental resilience. The findings underscore the necessity of providing ongoing and comprehensive care for COVID-19 patients that addresses their biological, psycho-emotional, and social needs from the time of diagnosis to full recovery.