Infection control: reducing the psychological effects of isolation

Although previous studies have shown that some patients, when nursed in isolation for infection control purposes, experience negative emotional effects, little research has been published which suggests what healthcare professionals can do to prevent or reduce these effects. A study was therefore carried out involving 21 patients being nursed in isolation who completed questionnaires. Five patients with negative experiences of isolation were then interviewed about the reasons for feeling the way they did and what they felt could be done to reduce or prevent negative emotions. Recommendations made from the research include the provision of written and individualized information, improved communication from medical staff, provision of a common room and better facilities to relieve boredom. Further large scale research is needed to investigate strategies to improve the isolation experience.