Spotlight on nursing research and education

The number of hospitalised patients in isolation significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and tested our service’s approach to caring for these patients. This research investigated a new model of nursing care for isolated patients. 

Researchers from Alfred Health, Deakin University and Monash Universities received funding from the Victorian Nurses and Midwives Trust to conduct a codesigned project with patients, families, nurses and infection control experts to identify and test the feasibility of a nurse-led intervention to improve care of patients in isolation. 

Forty patients were enrolled in the study, 20 patients received additional assessment and care support from a research nurse. They received twice daily visits 7 days per week. Patients’ nutrition, physical activity, mood and comfort needs were assessed, attended to and referrals implemented. We found that it was feasible to deliver a nurse-led intervention to improve the care of patients in isolation.

Over 75% of the patient needs were addressed or action facilitated by the research nurse. Areas requiring support were mental and physical well-being, communication with families, medical and nursing staff, nursing care and comfort support. Adverse events related to isolation were evident in both groups including falls, clinical and mental status deterioration. 

Longer hospital stays in isolation are associated with higher anxiety, loneliness, physical deconditioning and higher adverse events. It is important to meet the needs of these patients who are at high risk through additional care supports. Co-design with patients, families and health professionals can mitigate some the risk.