Sandvik Pernilla, Neuman Nicklas, Flodin Maja, Lövestam Elin
Department of Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
J Adv Nurs. 2025 Jul;81(7):4085-4097. doi: 10.1111/jan.16601. Epub 2024 Nov 7.
To explore trajectories of understanding and managing persistent chemosensory dysfunction after COVID-19 in patients undergoing clinical treatment.
A descriptive qualitative interview study with a realist approach.
Data were collected in Sweden, from August 2022 to March 2023 through semi-structured interviews with 30 patients undergoing treatment for long-lasting smell and taste dysfunction resulting from COVID-19. Thematic analysis was applied in a process that involved continuous discussions and refinement of codes into themes and subthemes.
Three main themes were identified: (1) Understanding the sensory alterations, which includes subthemes of Searching for validation and Seeking remedies; (2) Practical coping strategies, encompassing Adapted eating and Managing olfactory training and (3) Navigating the emotional landscape, featuring Self-persuasion and suppression and The ambivalence of acceptance. These themes highlight the cyclic and fluid nature of coping with the dysfunction, reflecting a dynamic process of adaptation. Despite treatment options like olfactory training, participants frequently experienced frustration due to limited perceived improvement and the psychological toll of managing their condition.
The study highlights the complex and personal nature of coping with long-term smell and taste dysfunction post-COVID-19. Coping strategies varied widely and evolved over time, reflecting a dynamic process of adaptation. The emotional and psychological impact was profound, underscoring the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that include both physiological and psychological support. There is a need for more effective interventions and support mechanisms to improve the quality of life for those affected by these persistent symptoms.
This study contributes to the understanding of COVID-19's long-term effects on smell and taste, highlighting the need for ongoing support from health care, further research into effective interventions, and a comprehensive approach to care for individuals affected by these conditions.
This study addresses trajectories and challenges of coping with persistent chemosensory dysfunction. Findings emphasise the complexity of managing persistent chemosensory dysfunction and the critical role of personalised care. The study contributes to knowledge for nurses in understanding patients with chemosensory dysfunction.
This research adheres to the EQUATOR guidelines: Standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR).
No patient or public contribution.
探讨临床治疗中的新冠患者理解和应对新冠后持续性化学感应功能障碍的轨迹。
采用现实主义方法的描述性定性访谈研究。
2022年8月至2023年3月在瑞典收集数据，通过对30名因新冠导致长期嗅觉和味觉功能障碍正在接受治疗的患者进行半结构化访谈。在一个涉及持续讨论并将编码细化为主题和子主题的过程中应用了主题分析。
确定了三个主要主题：（1）理解感觉改变，包括寻求验证和寻求补救措施的子主题；（2）实际应对策略，包括适应性饮食和进行嗅觉训练；（3）应对情绪状况，其特点是自我说服与压抑以及接受的矛盾心理。这些主题突出了应对功能障碍的循环性和灵活性，反映了一个动态的适应过程。尽管有嗅觉训练等治疗选择，但由于感觉改善有限以及应对自身状况带来的心理负担，参与者经常感到沮丧。
该研究突出了新冠后应对长期嗅觉和味觉功能障碍的复杂性和个体性。应对策略差异很大且随时间演变，反映了一个动态的适应过程。情绪和心理影响深远，强调需要包括生理和心理支持的综合治疗方法。需要更有效的干预措施和支持机制来提高受这些持续性症状影响者的生活质量。
本研究有助于理解新冠对嗅觉和味觉的长期影响，强调了医疗保健持续支持的必要性、对有效干预措施的进一步研究以及对受这些状况影响个体的综合护理方法。
本研究探讨了应对持续性化学感应功能障碍的轨迹和挑战。研究结果强调了管理持续性化学感应功能障碍的复杂性以及个性化护理的关键作用。该研究为护士了解化学感应功能障碍患者提供了知识。
本研究遵循赤道准则：定性研究报告标准（SRQR）。
无患者或公众贡献。
