Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Experiences of Hospitalized Patients: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objective 

This study aimed to identify the factors that exerted an impact on the experiences of hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic from the quality and safety perspectives.

Method 

A scoping review that followed the 5 stages described by Arksey and O’Malley was used. A systematized search of original studies was conducted in 9 databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, BDENF, CINAHL, LILACS, SciELO, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The factors that exerted an impact on patients’ experiences were summarized, considering the perspective of quality and patient safety in health institutions. The factors were categorized using the Content Analysis technique.

Results 

A total of 6950 studies were screened, and 32 met the eligibility criteria. The main factors that exerted an impact on the patients’ experience were as follows: caregiver/family concern with the patients’ well-being during hospitalization, search for alternative communication and interaction means between the patients and their family, and changes in health care organization. The restrictions inherent to the policy regarding visits and companions exerted a negative impact on the experiences, increasing the patients’ feelings of loneliness and isolation. Negative impacts were also evidenced in the hospital admission and discharge process and in the limitation of treatment possibilities offered to the patients, because of contact restrictions.

Conclusions 

The factors that exerted an impact on the patients’ experiences permeate communication between professionals, patients, and family members, with implications for health care quality.