“No one told me”: A study of patient knowledge of source isolation for multi-resistant organisms
Ms Alison Smith1,2, Ms Tain Gardiner3, Dr Gillian Ray-Barruel1,4
1QEII Jubilee Hospital, Coopers Plains, Australia
2University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
3Logan Hospital, Meadowbrook, Australia
4Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
Introduction
Hospital patients requiring source isolation for multi-resistant organisms (MRO) may experience anxiety, depression and loneliness. Although clinicians are expected to provide MRO information to patients, it is unclear if current methods of patient education are beneficial. This study aimed to identify if information provided and methods of delivery are appropriate and helpful, and to identify areas for practice improvements for patients requiring source isolation.
Methods
Purposeful sampling was conducted. Between November 2019 and January 2020, we conducted bedside surveys (six multiple-choice and two free-text questions) with medical and surgical adult in-patients requiring source isolation for MRO. Data analysis featured quantifying multiple choice responses and qualitative content analysis of free-text responses.
Results
Lack of awareness and understanding of MRO predominated among the 30 participants. Specifically, 17 patients did not know the MRO duration, and 15 stated they were not notified of the MRO and expressed frustration with the inadequate information provided by staff. Twenty-nine participants reported a preference for face-to-face education, followed by information brochure (n=26), and follow-up discussion with General Practitioner (n=17) or phone call (n=10). Qualitative responses revealed a lack of relevant and meaningful information increased patients’ mixed negative emotions including embarrassment, loneliness, abandonment, confusion and fear. Patients identified a need for greater clinician knowledge and communication skills for discussing MRO and understanding the effect of source isolation on patients.
Conclusions
Enhancing clinician knowledge and communication skills for discussing MRO could better equip staff to address the knowledge deficits and psychological needs of patients requiring source isolation.
Biography:
Gillian Ray-Barruel, RN PhD, is an experienced nurse researcher with a joint appointment as Senior Research Fellow with Griffith University and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital in Brisbane. Her internationally respected research focuses on improving assessment and decision-making by bedside clinicians to prevent indwelling device-related patient complications and improve healthcare outcomes.