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| Author | Maria Farrugia |
| Abstract | The aim of this study was to explore the experience of a patient nursed in isolation, as a consequence of an infectious disease. While gaining insight into the patient's world during the period of isolation, the study sought to outline those factors that influenced such an experience, and also identified the needs of the patient. A single holistic case-study approach was used to fulfill these objectives; as it allowed for a clear portrayal of the experience of an isolated patient. One patient who was currently being nursed on an infectious disease unit was purposively selected for the study. The selected candidate described his feelings about the isolation experience during an initial audio taped interview and through subsequent participant-researcher conversations. Participant observation schemes were also used to serve as an adjunct to what the participant expressed. The tape was transcribed, while notes from these conversations and observations were analysed. The results show that the participant had a general positive experience of the whole isolation period. Through analysis of the emerging themes, this experience was viewed as a `journey' the participant went through while in isolation. Themes such as "being shut-in versus being alone" "concerns about his physical state" and "coping with the experience of isolation" were commonly expressed by the participant the period of data collection. However, the theme of "hope" was also frequently uttered and this theme possibly made the overall experience a positive one. Yet, negative issues were raised and these included sub-themes such as boredom, frustration and lack of contact with the outside world, among others. Findings of this study are discussed, and recommendations for further nursing research, education and practice are presented. |
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| Key words | Isolation, Nursing, Thesis, Case Study |