OBJECTIVES: To identify evidence on the Quality of life measures and potential interventions in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted based on a reproducible search strategy designed to identify HRQoL outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Evidence indexed in Embase/MEDLINE (until 30^th June 2020) and clinical trials.gov (until 8^th July 2020) was screened for inclusion per pre-defined criteria.

RESULTS: 621 abstracts were screened followed by an evaluation of 91 full text citations. 10 studies were finally included and analysed. Among included studies, a study conducted in China investigated the effect of respiratory rehabilitation on pulmonary function, functional status (6-minute walk distance), QoL (SF-36 scores), functional independence and mental status (Self-rating depression and anxiety scales) in elderly patients. The QoL scores showed statistically significant improvement in the patients receiving respiratory rehabilitation besides improvement in the anxiety associated with COVID-19 diagnosis and isolation. Another study investigated the effect of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on anxiety and sleep quality and reported significant improvement in sleep quality and anxiety scores based on sleep state self-rating scale (SRSS) and Speilberger State-trait Anxiety scale (STAI). A case report examined the benefits of DBT (Dialectical behavior therapy) based psychological intervention on a pregnant patient and reported improvement in psychological features with reduction in HAMD-17 (Hamilton Depression scale 17), HAMA (Hamilton Anxiety scale) and MADRS (Montgomery-Asberg Depression rating scale) scores. Other ongoing studies Investigated interventions like pulmonary physiotherapy, pulmonary and motor rehabilitation, post discharge tele rehabilitation (resistive training, breathing and aerobic exercise) and behavioral interventions. A majority of these involved EuroQoL assessment.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 is unfolding as a complex illness affecting multiple organs with currently unknown long-term effects. Interventions aimed at managing physical and mental QOL measures are necessary particularly in hospitalized patients. These interventions need to be potentially combined with hospitalization and post discharge management protocols.