The Fight Doesn't End Once COVID-19 Patients Are Discharged

We know little about longer-term, postdischarge outcomes of patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19. Researchers conducted an observational study that included 1250 COVID-19 patients (median age, 62; 52% Black; median length of stay, 5 days) who were discharged between March and July 2020 from 38 Michigan hospitals. Thirteen percent of patients were treated in intensive care units, and 70% required supplemental oxygen. At 60 days after discharge, abstractors collected chart data and contacted 488 patients via telephone to gather more information on clinical, financial, and mental health outcomes.

Among all discharged patients, 7% died and 15% were rehospitalized. Of the patients contacted by telephone:

• 20% had not received any clinical follow-up.

• 33% had persistent symptoms related to their illness, and 20% had new or worsening symptoms.

• 40% had not returned to normal activity.

• 75% had been mildly or moderately emotionally affected; 6% had sought mental health care.

• 62% were mildly or moderately financially affected, 10% had used up all or most of their savings, and 6% were unable to pay for necessities.

Among those employed before COVID-19, 40% were unable to return to work, primarily due to health reasons or job loss. Of those able to return to work, 25% had reduced hours or modified duties.