Background & problem
In my undergrad class on advanced UX research in 2020, I was challenged to create a self-led research project on any topical issue.
During my exploratory research, I learned from friends and family about the painful and relatively unknown aftereffects of Covid-19. As I looked into this phenomenon, I noticed that—back in late 2020—there was an immense stigma against Covid-survivors and very little support for the prolonged and painful aftereffects of the virus.
I decided to better understand the stigma towards Covid-survivors and discover ways that support can be provided to those affected by Post-Acute Covid-19. I set out to answer the guiding question:
Post-Acute Covid-19 is the sequelae (a consequence of a previous disease) of Covid-19. Currently, there are no treatments for the disease and there are over 70 unique documented symptoms from bedridden fatigue to muscle pain to nausea. More than 40% of survivors suffer from Post-Acute Covid-19 for up to 8 months after their recovery from Covid-19.
How might we alleviate stress-based uncertainty for post-acute Covid-19 patients such that they can be more assured and hopeful about their recovery?
Research
Interviews
After some preliminary research, I decided to narrow my target audience to middle-aged individuals (around ages 35 to 55) who have familial responsibilities.This group of people faces the most setbacks and stress from post-acute Covid-19 because they often have to manage work, children, and aging parents while trying to recover.Additionally, middle-aged people are more likely to survive Covid-19 than older individuals but are not as immune-tolerant as younger individuals. As a result, they are most likely to suffer post-acute Covid-19.
I conducted 4 interviews via Zoom with medical professionals, two of whom suffered from post-acute Covid-19. To source more stories and experiences from a wider audience of Covid survivors, I gathered accounts and statements from survivors across various online forums, interviews, and journal articles.
After gaining more understanding of the experiences that the patient goes through, I created 3 personas to depict a potential user's journey.In addition to the patient, I also made personas for their partner and general practitioner. I found that these two people were the most involved in a patient's journey from contracting the virus to their slow recovery from post-acute Covid-19.
Paul Andrews
Post-acute Covid-19 patient
47 years old, father of 2
Bio
Paul was feeling sick two months ago and tested positive for Covid-19. He had self-isolated in his guest room and fought with fever and severe chest pain for two weeks. About 48 hours after his negative test, he began experiencing extreme fatigue, breathing difficulties, and shortness of memory, which were persistent for two months after his recovery.
Goals
• Recovering his health from post-acute Covid symptoms
• Quarantining in his guest room to keep his family safe from Covid-19
• Helping his family remain financially stable throughout his recovery
Frustrations
• Did not receive much guidance from his doctors and doesn’t know if he should believe the information he finds online
• Doesn’t know if he’s doing the right thing to help him recover
• Is unable to work due to his severe symptoms and is worried about his family's financial needs throughout his prolonged recovery period
Jill Andrews
Paul's partner
45 years old, mother of 2
Bio
When Jill’s husband contracted Covid-19, she took care of him, their two children, and their home for the two weeks that her husband was sick. Soon after her husband’s initial recovery, he became sick again and Jill is now trying to financially and emotionally support her family on her own while helping her husband recover.
Goals
• Keeping her family financially and emotionally stable
• Keeping herself and her children safe from Covid-19
• Helping her husband recover from post-acute Covid-19
Frustrations
• Feels worried about her husband's extremely slow recovery, and stressed about the lack of medical support or knowledge there is for his illness
• Increased stress from working overtime while taking care of her family
Aaron Singh
Paul's general practitioner
Bio
When Aaron's patient, Paul, contracted Covid-19, they kept in contact remotely through their clinic for the 2 weeks that Paul was sick. After his patient's negative test, Aaron informed Paul about possible post-Covid symptoms and some self-treatments that he knew of. Aaron knows that there isn’t enough research on post-Covid symptoms and couldn’t offer as much professional guidance as he would like.
Goals
• Monitoring and providing care for his patients who have Covid-19 and post-acute Covid-19
• Trying to understand more about post-acute Covid-19 in order to find potential treatments that he can prescribe to his patients
Frustrations
• Is unable to give much professional guidance to his post-Covid patients due to the lack of attention to and knowledge of the illness
• His post-acute Covid-19 patients all suffer different symptoms and it’s difficult to discover what each patient needs
