Exploring the impacts of COVID-19 before lung transplantation: A qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract RATIONALE: Patients being assessed or listed for a lung transplant face significant challenges, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this population is unknown. OBJECTIVES A qualitative study was undertaken to explore the impacts of COVID-19 within this context. METHODS Patients who were being assessed or waiting for a lung transplant (n = 22) and their caregivers (n = 3) participated in semi-structured interviews conducted by phone. Interviews were transcribed and imported into NVivo 12 Pro software for the exploration and coding of data to arrive at themes. MAIN RESULTS: The majority of patients (n = 16) described limitations in their access to healthcare, including difficulty seeing their physician, delayed appointments and decreased in-person visits. Physical activity was greatly impacted (n = 15) “diminished,” “restricted” or “limited” or impacted “dramatically” due to COVID-19. Significant limitations were imposed on physical activities (n = 15) and social activities (n = 18), and financial concerns (n = 11) were common amongst this population. For many, these impacts contributed to mental health struggles including increased stress, anxiety and depression. Patients coped using a variety of strategies, including partaking in hobbies, meditation and spirituality, mindset and self-talk, and expressed gratitude for their current situation and hope for the future. CONCLUSION Patients being assessed or listed for lung transplant have been affected by the global pandemic driven by an illness that is respiratory in nature. Patients who continue to struggle should be identified and appropriate supports should be provided. In the event of a future pandemic, the vulnerabilities in this population should be considered.