Impact of Long COVID on Occupational Performance: Perceptions of Survivors

This pilot study examined the lived experiences of people living with Post COVID conditions (PLPC) and how the management of Post COVID conditions (PCC) affects occupational performance. Using a phenomenological qualitative study design, the research team obtained data from adult PLPC using semi-structured interviews. Inclusion: adults aged 18 years or older who have a self-reported clinical diagnosis of Post COVID Conditions (PCC), can understand and follow study protocols, and can read & understand English. People with significant cognitive impairment that may hinder participation were excluded. Recruitment occurred electronically & with flyers at community health centers. Methods used included semi-structured interviews with PLPC; and analysis of common themes. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using codes based on common answers. Data were coded using NVivo software by the study team. The statements were sorted into subdomains; the most repeated/recognized as important were used to code. The subdomains and coding helped to create a description and themes. Themes were further explored. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the sample's sociodemographic characteristics: mostly BIPOC males. Data analysis reveals themes regarding loss of occupational performance including loss of life roles, inability to perform IADLs including a return to work, home maintenance, and leisure, and decreased access to follow-up healthcare. Implications for this study provide one example of a qualitative research study showing the changes in the occupational performance of PLPC. These themes highlighted the disparity between outcome measures at discharge and PLPC's self-perception of function. No participants were under OT care at the time of the interviews despite having limited function with IADLs. The information gained from these initial interviews will help to inform future OT practice and improve the health outcomes for PLPC.