Transition and continuity of care after hospital discharge for COVID-19 survivors

• Published in: Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S P 2023, Vol.57, p.e20230083-e20230083
• Main Authors: Acosta, Aline Marques, Nora, Carlise Rigon Dalla, Fontenele, Raquel Malta, Aued, Gisele Knop, Silveira, Cristhiane de Souza, Sanseverino, Amanda Xavier
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; por
• Subjects: NURSING
• ISSN: 0080-6234; 1980-220X; 1980-220X
• DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2023-0083en

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess care transition quality and compare it with the clinical characteristics and continuity of care after hospital discharge of COVID-19 survivors. Method: This is a descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study, carried out with 300 patients with COVID-19 who were discharged from a hospital in southern Brazil. The Care Transitions Measure (CTM-15) and question guide about symptoms, difficulties and use of health services after discharge were used. Student’s t-test, Pearson and Spearman correlation were used. Results: The mean score for care transition quality was 74.2 (±18.2). Factors associated with higher quality were receiving care in intensive care (p = 0.001), using non-invasive mechanical ventilation (p = 0.05), using vasopressors (p = 0.027) and having an appointment at the hospital after discharge (p = 0.014). Positive correlated factors were length of stay (p = 0.017), and negative factors were post-discharge symptoms of fatigue (p = 0.001), weakness (p = 0.008), difficulty doing moderate activities (p = 0.003) and how difficult recovery is (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Most participants had a satisfactory perception of care transition. However, aspects such as care plans, referrals and follow-up after hospital discharge require improvements. RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade da transição do cuidado e compará-la com as características clínicas e de continuidade do cuidado pós-alta hospitalar de sobreviventes de COVID-19. Método: Estudo descritivo, observacional e transversal, realizado com 300 pacientes com COVID-19 que tiveram alta de hospital do sul do Brasil. Utilizaram-se o Care Transitions Measure (CTM-15) e um roteiro de perguntas sobre sintomas, dificuldades e uso de serviços de saúde pós-alta. Utilizaram-se os testes t de Student, correlação de Pearson e Spearman. Resultados: O escore médio para a qualidade da transição do cuidado foi de 74,2 (±18,2). Fatores associados à maior qualidade foram ter atendimento em terapia intensiva (p = 0,001), usar ventilação mecânica não invasiva (p = 0,05), usar vasopressores (p = 0,027) e consultar no hospital após alta (p = 0,014). Fatores correlacionados positivos foram tempo de permanência (p = 0,017), e negativos, sintomas pós-alta de fadiga (p = 0,001), fraqueza (p = 0,008), dificuldade para fazer atividades moderadas (p = 0,003) e quão difícil é a recuperação (p = 0,003). Conclusão: A maioria dos participantes teve percepção satisfatória da transição do cuidado. Ent