LIVED EXPERIENCES OF COMPANIONS OF COVID-19 PATIENTS ADMITTED TO COVID-19 HOSPITALS: A RETROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background
Due to a lack evidence, the positive and negative experiences of companions of COVID-19 patients during their communication with medical staff in COVID-19 hospitals were explored.

Material and methods
This research study encompassed a cross-sectional analysis of 437 companions of COVID-19 patients.

Results
The patients’ diseases were: mild (34.55%), moderate (27.92%), severe (20.14%), and critical (17.39%). The most prevalent comorbidities were cardiovascular disease (16.7%), obesity (16.48%), endocrine and metabolic disorders (14.42%), and smoking (13.73%). Out of the total of 437 patients included in the study, 23.80% died. The study revealed that 79.63% and 71.40% of companions had regular communication with the medical staff, and received relevant and sufficient information about the patients' medical conditions, respectively. Regarding mental health, 34.55% of companions reported fear of COVID-19 infection at the hospitals, and 66.59% expressed fear of patients' death. A considerable percentage had conflicts with medical staff. They expressed satisfaction with the healthcare and treatment and were informed and medical staff were available on need. The hospital environment was quiet, but not in terms of psychological well-being.

Conclusions
Most companions were satisfied with treatment procedures at the COVID-19 hospitals, but a percentage were affected by ambient noise and other patients' fear.