Coping with COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit admission.

OBJECTIVES

to analyze, in light of Folkman and Lazarus's Coping Theory, the reflections on life expressed in experience reports of patients hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit for COVID-19.

METHODS

qualitative research, using Thematic Oral History. Ten patients who were hospitalized in a COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit of a university hospital in southern Brazil between 2020 and 2021 were interviewed. Analysis was based on Minayo's theoretical model.

RESULTS

six men and four women participated, with an average age of 52 years. Three categories emerged, "Post-COVID-19 sequels"; "Quality of care and infrastructure"; and "Value of life and change of perspective".

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: during hospitalization, the importance of healthcare professionals, especially nursing professionals, was highlighted. A change in future perspective was identified, with a greater appreciation for family closeness and a greater appreciation for life. After the illness, difficulties related to memory, anxiety, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunctions were identified.