Using decision aids to support self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Self-isolation is crucial for controlling infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19.
• Effective public health strategies require accessible and understandable guidance for the public.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of decision aids in supporting COVID-19 self-isolation.
• To assess if decision trees, planning tools, and infographics improve self-isolation decisions, confidence, and adherence.

Main Methods:

• A pre-registered online experiment with 500 participants.
• Tested decision trees for symptom assessment, an online planning tool for confidence, and infographics for comprehension.
• Measured accuracy of isolation decisions, self-reported confidence, and recall/comprehension of guidance.

Main Results:

• Decision trees improved isolation decisions but underestimated need for less common symptoms.
• The planning tool increased confidence in adults under 40.
• Infographics enhanced recall and comprehension of self-isolation management.

Conclusions:

• Decision aids are valuable tools for supporting public self-isolation during pandemics.
• Rapid experimental pre-testing of interventions is beneficial for emergency public health responses.