Challenges Related to Treatment/Care of Patients With COVID-19 Hospitalized in Forghani Hospital in Qom, Iran: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused a crisis in health care systems such that the treatment/care of patients 19 faced big challenges. This study aims to investigate the challenges related to treatment/care of patients hospitalized in Forgani Hospital in Qom, Iran. Methods: This study was conducted using the qualitative content analysis approach in 2020 Forgani Hospital in Qom, Iran. Eleven patients with COVID-19 were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data collection tool was in-depth semi-structured interview. Data analysis was done using the conventional content analysis method. Results: The results of content analysis led to identification of three main themes including lack of disease knowledge, human recourse and equipment shortage, and individual-family and social concerns. Conclusion: Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Qom face various challenges due to the unknown etiology of the disease, lack of experience and sufficient medical staff, and personal and family concerns. Therefore, it is recommended to make proper planning for the management and control of pandemics in the future.