Post-discharge Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

TL;DR

This study examines the health status of COVID-19 patients three months after discharge from a hospital in Nepal, finding that most returned to normal activities.

Contribution

The study provides insights into post-discharge recovery patterns of COVID-19 patients in a specific regional context.

Findings

24.50% of patients reported persistent symptoms three months after discharge.

20.50% of patients indicated previous symptoms at the time of discharge.

Most patients returned to normal activities within three months post-discharge.

Abstract

Understanding the post-discharge outcomes of COVID-19 patients is essential for informed healthcare planning and support services. This study aimed to assess the physical health status of COVID-19 patients three months after discharge from a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal.

A descriptive follow-up study design was used, involving 200 COVID-19 discharged patients. Data were collected from healthcare facilities and participants through structured questionnaires and telephonic interviews. The study duration was between November 2020 to April 2021.

Persistence of COVID-19-related symptoms was reported by 49 (24.50%) of participants reported at follow-up, while 41 (20.50%) indicated previous symptoms from discharge.

After discharge, most of patient returned to normal activities within three months. Persistence of symptoms and test positive rate was less in those patients.