Counselling sessions for patients in contact isolation due to multi-drug-resistant organisms improve informedness and reduce dissatisfaction

Abstract

The spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is a critical health issue. Isolation measures imposed to prevent transmission may result in adverse psychological effects among affected patients. This emphasises the need for better communication and information to improve their hospital experience and mental well-being as well as to prevent inadequate treatment. The present study examines whether tailored counselling sessions during contact isolation can enhance patients' understanding of their situation concerning the significance of their MDRO status and enhance their well-being. A pre-post-intervention study was conducted in a German tertiary care hospital in which N = 64 patients who were isolated due to MDROs received tailored counselling. The counselling included information about MDROs, the reason for hospital isolation measures, and appropriate behaviour during and after hospitalisation. Participants completed questionnaires before and after the counselling sessions to assess its impact on their informedness, patient (dis)satisfaction and well-being measures. Prior to the counselling session, patient dissatisfaction was associated with anxiety and inadequate informedness about MDROs. After the counselling, patients reported a significantly improved comprehension of their MDROs-related situation and a notable decrease in dissatisfaction with their hospital situation, primarily attributed to the acquired information. This is the first German study to show how improved information about MDROs impacts patient satisfaction in hospitals. The findings stress the crucial need for improving healthcare workers' interaction and communication with patients affected by MDROs.