Lesson learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative inquiry into patient and family experiences in Pakistan

Objectives This study aims to explore the perceptions of patients affected by COVID-19 and their families regarding the challenges faced, coping strategies used and lessons learnt in Pakistan. Design A qualitative exploratory descriptive approach was used to explore the real-time experiences of the participants. Setting The study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Participants Purposive and snowball sampling methods were used to enrol 22 dyads of adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and their respective family members (FMs) (spouse, children, siblings or any other FM sharing a residence in Karachi, Pakistan, with the patient before quarantine). The 44 participants, with 23 females and 21 males, had an average age of 43.2 years. Results We identified five key themes: practising a healthy diet and physical activity to boost immunity; developing workplace policies for job security, safety and mental well-being; encouraging digitalisation of health through teleconsultation and virtual learning; using technology and artificial intelligence to transform healthcare delivery systems; and empowering resilience and community unity to promote mental well-being. Conclusion The study summarises the opinions of people directly affected by COVID-19 and the stakeholders of systemic challenges. The findings of the study can guide further strengthening of the healthcare system and improvements of organisational policies to facilitate better preparation of marginalised communities for future pandemics.