Quality of Life Assessment Guides for Use in Patients Recovered from COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: The spread of SARS-CoV-2, in addition to the biological substrate, impacts the psychocognitive capacity of the population. Therefore, assessing quality of life is relevant for a comprehensive assessment of the impact of population-based coping and therapeutic strategies.

Objective: To describe the different instruments available for use in patients recovered from COVID-19, considering the instrument that could provide the greatest benefits.

Methods: A document review was conducted in SciELO, Medline, and Scopus databases; the descriptors used were quality of life, quality of life questionnaires, quality of life in COVID-19 convalescents, published in Spanish and English. Thirty-six articles were selected based on their relevance to the topic, depth of focus, robustness of experimental design, and relevance. The methods employed were analysis-synthesis and deduction-induction.

Conclusions: Although the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (CAT) are the most widely used instruments for assessing quality of life in respiratory diseases, the post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS) could offer significant advantages. Its practical applicability in restrictive contexts, such as those imposed during the pandemic, makes it a useful tool, especially in resource-limited conditions. Furthermore, it allows for the assessment of relevant clinical aspects associated with the disease, despite not yet having international validation.