Experiences of isolated clients in private and government hospitals Britiller Myra C., RN MAN PHD, Cantos Rvy Kim M., Caoile Maria Elizabeth V., Pena Kristine P. Dela, Evangelista Janice M., Frago Aubrey Lorlean D. Lyceum of the Philippines University Capitol site, Batangas city-4200, Philippines Online published on 20 June, 2013. Abstract Background Isolation is one of the infection precautions that are taken to prevent and minimize the spread of infection from an infected patient to a susceptible person. In hospital settings, isolation should be done in an amenable and friendly manner and well accepted that may only interfere as little as possible with patient care, minimized patient discomfort about his condition, avoid unnecessary use of seclusion that will prevent humiliation of the patient's dignity. According to Provincial Health Office of Batangas, social acceptance is a vital factor to consider which greatly affects one's life especially those who are mentally challenged and physically ill. Stigmatization and discrimination are clearly the major problems in isolation. Stigma leads to acts of discrimination, which occur when “a distinction is made against a person that results in his or her being treated unfairly and unjustly on the basis of belonging, or being perceived to belong to a particular group.” Perceived stigma can have powerful psychological consequences for the victim, leading to depression and feelings of lack of self worth, which further impacts on the health status of the patients. Isolation is, unfortunately, a necessity in hospitals to protect the common good, according to Michael Spence (2010), but it has been said that this measure will develop fear, anxiety, depression and rapid mood changes added by Maurice Madeo (2003). Pursuing this study will now have the bases of rendering and giving effective, quality nursing care for these kinds of patients. This study will also determine the patient's perceptions and experiences of being isolated as well as the nurses’ response on their health condition that affects their integrity as a human being and improve ways on how to deal with this dilemma. Methods A qualitative – phenomenological research is an approach in exploring and understanding people's everyday life experiences. The goal of phenomenology is to know the meaning of person's perception of particular phenomena, hence the most fitted for the study. Self-made interview guide was used to cite different experiences of the isolated clients in the hospitals and the differences of their experiences regarding to what type of hospital they were confined to. The informants of the study were 7 isolated clients from different private and government hospitals in Batangas. Results Six main themes emerged from the data. The data revealed that clients in isolation room have “disorientation regarding condition” and “feelings of discrimination”. They also experienced “differences in care approach” and are “in need of acceptance and support from families”, while “positive attitudes” and the “importance of support system” were considered as important factors for clients. acceptance of the condition. Conclusion The researchers concluded that isolation affect clients’ overall functioning as a human being because of the discriminations they experienced. Positive attitudes and the importance of support system play their vital roles in a client suffering from this dilemma for a strong family support will be the first line of emotional defense of a person. Top |