Percepção de indivíduos hospitalizados por Covid-19 sobre benefícios, barreiras e facilitadores para a participação em um Programa de Reabilitação Pulmonar: um estudo qualitativo

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 has repercussions on various organs and systems. For this reason, the disease can cause sequelae and symptoms that can persist in the long term, reducing the quality of life of individuals. Pulmonary rehabilitation performed in individuals who had COVID-19 improves functional capacity, lung function, reduces dyspnea and fatigue, and improves quality of life. Despite these benefits, offering pulmonary rehabilitation to individuals after COVID-19 is a challenge due to the low participation in treatment. Objective: To know the perception of individuals who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 about the barriers for participating in an outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program. Methods: Qualitative study, carried out through semi-structured interviews, with individuals who were hospitalized due to COVID-19, referred for pulmonary rehabilitation and who refused to participate. The transcribed information was analyzed using the methodology of content analysis and following principles of grounded theory. Participants were recruited until saturation was reached. uma vez que, os objetivos do estudo foram atingidos e novas informações se tornaram escassas. Results: Difficulty getting to the rehabilitation center was a significant theme expressed by those who chose not to participate in rehabilitation. Participants expressed difficulties related to distance, cost of transportation, lack of a companion and transportation conditions. Another important theme was the report of health problems, such as surgeries, pain and mobility difficulties. Lack of time was another theme found, reported by participants as the need to work, commuting time and time to perform household chores. Individuals who judged that rehabilitation was not necessary because they were feeling well was another theme found. Minor themes involved the need for more information about rehabilitation, lack of medical incentive, lack of interest and lack of motivation. Conclusion: Individuals hospitalized for COVID-19 repot as barriers to participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, including difficulties accessing the rehabilitation center, health problems, lack of time, and perception that rehabilitation was not needed. Thus, actions to overcome these barriers are needed to provide the program for an increased number of individuals and increase adherence to treatment.