Research

18 pages, 709 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Road Less Traveled: How COVID-19 Patients Use Metaphors to Frame Their Lived Experiences

by Yu Deng, Jixue Yang, Li Wang and Yaokai Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15979; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192315979 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1128

Abstract

Metaphor provides an important intellectual tool for communication about intense disease experiences. The present study aimed to investigate how COVID-19-infected persons metaphorically frame their lived experiences of COVID-19, and how the pandemic impacts on their mental health burden. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted [...] Read more.

Metaphor provides an important intellectual tool for communication about intense disease experiences. The present study aimed to investigate how COVID-19-infected persons metaphorically frame their lived experiences of COVID-19, and how the pandemic impacts on their mental health burden. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 patients afflicted with COVID-19. Metaphor analysis of patient narratives demonstrated that: (1) COVID-19 infection impacted patient conceptualization of themselves and the relationship between the “self” and the body, as well as social relationships. (2) Metaphors relating to physical experience, space and time, and integrative behaviors tended to be used by COVID-19 patients in a negative way, whereas war metaphors, family metaphors, temperature metaphors, and light metaphors were likely to express positive attitudes. (3) Patients preferred to employ conventional metaphors grounded on embodied sensorimotor experiences to conceptualize their extreme emotional experiences. This study has important implications with respect to the therapeutic function of metaphors in clinical communication between healthcare professionals and COVID-19 patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Patient Experience (during COVID-19 Pandemic/in the COVID-19 Era))

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15 pages, 369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Let Us Take It into Our Own Hands: Patient Experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Martina Baránková, Katarína Greškovičová, Bronislava Strnádelová, Katarina Krizova and Júlia Halamová

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14150; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192114150 - 29 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1572

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new health situations for patients and health professionals alike and, with them, opportunities to study these new patient experiences, gain insights into changed healthcare practices, and propose potential new healthcare solutions. The aim of our study was to explore [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new health situations for patients and health professionals alike and, with them, opportunities to study these new patient experiences, gain insights into changed healthcare practices, and propose potential new healthcare solutions. The aim of our study was to explore how people coped with their health issues during the pandemic. We utilized a consensual qualitative analysis. The convenience sample that was gathered online through social media comprised 1683 participants with a mean age of 31.02 years (SD = 11.99). The 50 participants from the convenience sample who scored the highest on subscales of the COPE inventory were selected for in-depth interviews. In-depth interviews with 27 participants from the convenience sample who reported a health issue were analyzed. The final sample in our study therefore comprised 17 women (63%) and 10 men (37%) with a mean age of 28.35 years (SD = 9.31). The results showed that behavioral coping with health problems was mentioned across all participants’ accounts. However, participants facing a health issue during the COVID-19 pandemic mostly relied on their own self-help instead of on healthcare services. They utilized healthcare services only when absolutely necessary. Furthermore, the participants had two main sources of resilience: themselves and other people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Patient Experience (during COVID-19 Pandemic/in the COVID-19 Era))

22 pages, 2727 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emotional Experiences of COVID-19 Patients in China: A Qualitative Study

by Yu Deng, Huimin Li and Minjun Park

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9491; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19159491 - 02 Aug 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1879

Abstract

This study explored the emotional experiences of COVID-19 patients in China. Thirty-four patients diagnosed with COVID-19 participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. We used qualitative methods to investigate the distribution patterns and characteristics of patients’ emotional experiences. The results indicated that emotional experiences showed [...] Read more.

This study explored the emotional experiences of COVID-19 patients in China. Thirty-four patients diagnosed with COVID-19 participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. We used qualitative methods to investigate the distribution patterns and characteristics of patients’ emotional experiences. The results indicated that emotional experiences showed different characteristics at different stages during isolation and treatment. COVID-19 patients’ emotional discourse encompassed eight main themes, namely, feelings of shock at the diagnosis, yearning for future life, attachment to one’s family, depression during the treatment, self-restriction due to probable contagiousness, powerlessness about the disease, open-mindedness about death, and faith in the joint efforts to fight COVID-19. These themes related to experiences concerning infection, isolation, outlook on life and death, stigma, and macro-identity. The findings suggest that the unexpected experience of COVID-19 infection exacerbated patients’ negative emotions. COVID-19 patients’ emotional stress stemmed from isolated environments, physiological effects of the disease, panic about the unknown, and realistic economic pressure. The government, medical staff, family members of patients, and the media should therefore work together to ensure proper emotional care for COVID-19 patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Patient Experience (during COVID-19 Pandemic/in the COVID-19 Era))

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10 pages, 333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Ophthalmic Care: A Qualitative Study of Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD)

by Seán R. O’Connor, Charlene Treanor, Elizabeth Ward, Robin A. Wickens, Abby O’Connell, Lucy A. Culliford, Chris A. Rogers, Eleanor A. Gidman, Tunde Peto, Paul C. Knox, Benjamin J. L. Burton, Andrew J. Lotery, Sobha Sivaprasad, Barnaby C. Reeves, Ruth E. Hogg, Michael Donnelly and MONARCH Study Group

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9488; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19159488 - 02 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1494

Abstract

Concerns have been expressed about the relationship between reduced levels of health care utilisation and the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to elicit and explore the views of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and their ophthalmic care. [...] Read more.

Concerns have been expressed about the relationship between reduced levels of health care utilisation and the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to elicit and explore the views of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and their ophthalmic care. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with thirty-five patients with nAMD taking part in a larger diagnostic accuracy study of home-monitoring tests. Participants were recruited using maximum variation sampling to capture a range of key characteristics including age, gender and time since initial treatment. Transcribed interview data were analysed using a deductive and inductive thematic approach. Three themes emerged from the analysis: i. access to eye clinic care. ii. COVID-19-mitigating factors and care delivery and iii. social and personal circumstances. Participants reported anxieties about cancelled or delayed appointments, limited communication from clinic-based services about appointments, and the impact of this on their ongoing care. Despite these concerns, there was apprehension about attending appointments due to infection risk and a perception that nAMD patients are a ‘high risk’ group. Views of those who attended clinics during the study period were, however, positive, with social distancing and infection control measures providing reassurance. These findings contribute to our understanding about experiences of patients with nAMD during the COVID-19 pandemic and may have potential implications for future planning of care services in similar circumstances. Innovative approaches may be required to address issues related to access to care, including concerns about delayed or cancelled appointments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Patient Experience (during COVID-19 Pandemic/in the COVID-19 Era))

12 pages, 342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perspectives and Attitudes of Patients with COVID-19 toward a Telerehabilitation Programme: A Qualitative Study

by Carlos Bernal-Utrera, Ernesto Anarte-Lazo, Elena De-La-Barrera-Aranda, Laura Fernandez-Bueno, Manuel Saavedra-Hernandez, Juan Jose Gonzalez-Gerez, Maria Angeles Serrera-Figallo and Cleofas Rodriguez-Blanco

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 7845; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18157845 - 24 Jul 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2799

Abstract

The total isolation of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requires non-face-to-face medical assistance. There is evidence of the efficacy of home treatments with exercises in patients with respiratory disorders which could become the therapeutic method of choice for the treatment and supervision [...] Read more.

The total isolation of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requires non-face-to-face medical assistance. There is evidence of the efficacy of home treatments with exercises in patients with respiratory disorders which could become the therapeutic method of choice for the treatment and supervision of patients isolated due to infection during home confinement. This study’s objective was to analyse the experience and opinions of isolated patients with COVID-19 included in a programme of telerehabilitation exercises for 14 days and it is intended to reflect, from a qualitative point of view, the viability and usefulness of telerehabilitation tools in the management of these patients. Twenty-five participants of a telerehabilitation programme were interviewed by telephone through semi-structured interviews, following a positivist and objective model. The data were categorised and analysed through NVIVO qualitative analysis software. The information obtained was classified into four main topics (telerehabilitation programme, perception of clinical benefit, psychological aspects and level of health care) and six subtopics (technical aspects, communication, improvement aspects, exercise plan, motivation and applicability to public health systems). The telerehabilitation programme established in patients confined by COVID-19 is very well received, without considerable technical difficulties and generates physical and psychological improvements. Patients highlight the importance of applying this type of programme in public health systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Patient Experience (during COVID-19 Pandemic/in the COVID-19 Era))

13 pages, 2904 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of a Banning Indoor Dining Policy on Restaurant Avoidance Behavior during the COVID-19 Outbreak

by Tai-Hsiang Chen, Lan-Lung (Luke) Chiang, Chen-Chung Ma and Chiu-Hua Chang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7268; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18147268 - 07 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3581

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading around the world, and Taiwan is no exception. Faced with the outbreak of the epidemic, the Taiwan government immediately ordered a policy banning indoor dining. The main purpose of the present research is to extend a [...] Read more.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading around the world, and Taiwan is no exception. Faced with the outbreak of the epidemic, the Taiwan government immediately ordered a policy banning indoor dining. The main purpose of the present research is to extend a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) theoretical framework to explore the public perception toward banning indoor dining policy on restaurant avoidance behavior during the COVID-19 outbreak. An online survey was administered in Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic from 25 May to 8 June 2021; a total of 326 responses were collected by a convenience sampling method, and partial least square (PLS) analysis was deployed to examine the hypothesized relationships. The results showed that perception toward banning indoor dining policy had independent significant associations with attitude, perceived behavioral control, and restaurant avoidance behavior. Moreover, attitude, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norm had independent significant associations with restaurant avoidance behavior. This study provides theoretical and practical insights into the psychological and behavioral processes involved in policy by the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, thus helping policymakers to better understand public opinion and responses to policy issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Patient Experience (during COVID-19 Pandemic/in the COVID-19 Era))

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21 pages, 1004 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Signals Transmission on Patients’ Choice through E-Consultation Websites: An Econometric Analysis of Secondary Datasets

by Adnan Muhammad Shah, Rizwan Ali Naqvi and Ok-Ran Jeong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5192; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18105192 - 13 May 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3013

Abstract

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically and rapidly changed the overall picture of healthcare in the way how doctors care for their patients. Due to the significant strain on hospitals and medical facilities, the popularity of web-based medical consultation has drawn the [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically and rapidly changed the overall picture of healthcare in the way how doctors care for their patients. Due to the significant strain on hospitals and medical facilities, the popularity of web-based medical consultation has drawn the focus of researchers during the deadly coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States. Healthcare organizations are now reacting to COVID-19 by rapidly adopting new tools and innovations such as e-consultation platforms, which refer to the delivery of healthcare services digitally or remotely using digital technology to treat patients. However, patients’ utilization of different signal transmission mechanisms to seek medical advice through e-consultation websites has not been discussed during the pandemic. This paper examines the impact of different online signals (online reputation and online effort), offline signals (offline reputation) and disease risk on patients’ physician selection choice for e-consultation during the COVID-19 crisis. (2) Methods: Drawing on signaling theory, a theoretical model was developed to explore the antecedents of patients’ e-consultation choice toward a specific physician. The model was tested using 3-times panel data sets, covering 4231 physicians on Healthgrades and Vitals websites during the pandemic months of January, March and May 2020. (3) Results: The findings suggested that online reputation, online effort and disease risk were positively related to patients’ online physician selection. The disease risk has also affected patients’ e-consultation choice. A high-risk disease positively moderates the relationship between online reputation and patients’ e-consultation choice, which means market signals (online reputation) are more influential than seller signals (offline reputation and online effort). Hence, market signals strengthened the effect in the case of high-risk disease. (4) Conclusions: The findings of this study provide practical suggestions for physicians, platform developers and policymakers in online environments to improve their service quality during the crisis. This article offers a practical guide on using emerging technology to provide virtual care during the pandemic. This study also provides implications for government officials and doctors on the potentials of consolidating virtual care solutions in the near future in order to contribute to the integration of emerging technology into healthcare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Patient Experience (during COVID-19 Pandemic/in the COVID-19 Era))

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25 pages, 3353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detecting Topic and Sentiment Trends in Physician Rating Websites: Analysis of Online Reviews Using 3-Wave Datasets

by Adnan Muhammad Shah, Rizwan Ali Naqvi and Ok-Ran Jeong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4743; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18094743 - 29 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3025

Abstract

(1) Background: Physician rating websites (PRWs) are a rich resource of information where individuals learn other people response to various health problems. The current study aims to investigate and analyze the people top concerns and sentiment dynamics expressed in physician online reviews (PORs). [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Physician rating websites (PRWs) are a rich resource of information where individuals learn other people response to various health problems. The current study aims to investigate and analyze the people top concerns and sentiment dynamics expressed in physician online reviews (PORs). (2) Methods: Text data were collected from four U.S.-based PRWs during the three time periods of 2018, 2019 and 2020. Based on the dynamic topic modeling, hot topics related to different aspects of healthcare were identified. Following the hybrid approach of aspect-based sentiment analysis, the social network of prevailing topics was also analyzed whether people expressed positive, neutral or negative sentiments in PORs. (3) Results: The study identified 30 dominant topics across three different stages which lead toward four key findings. First, topics discussed in Stage III were quite different from the earlier two stages due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Second, based on the keyword co-occurrence analysis, the most prevalent keywords in all three stages were related to the treatment, questions asked by patients, communication problem, patients’ feelings toward the hospital environment, disease symptoms, time spend with patients and different issues related to the COVID-19 (i.e., pneumonia, death, spread and cases). Third, topics related to the provider service quality, hospital servicescape and treatment cost were the most dominant topics in Stages I and II, while the quality of online information regarding COVID-19 and government countermeasures were the most dominant topics in Stage III. Fourth, when zooming into the topic-based sentiments analysis, hot topics in Stage I were mostly positive (joy be the dominant emotion), then negative (disgust be the dominant emotion) in Stage II. Furthermore, sentiments in the initial period of Stage III (COVID-19) were negative (anger be the dominant emotion), then transformed into positive (trust be the dominant emotion) later. The findings also revealed that the proposed method outperformed the conventional machine learning models in analyzing topic and sentiment dynamics expressed in PRWs. (4) Conclusions: Methodologically, this research demonstrates the ability and importance of computational techniques for analyzing large corpora of text and complementing conventional social science approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Patient Experience (during COVID-19 Pandemic/in the COVID-19 Era))

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