Understanding Experience of Patients With Highly Infectious Diseases During Extended Isolation: A Design Perspective

This study aimed to develop a better understanding of the unique needs of patients with highly infectious diseases and their perceptions of being placed in isolation. We explore the subjective experiences of patients treated for Ebola in a biocontainment unit (BCU) and the healthcare personnel who cared for them.

The 2014 Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic have brought to focus some major challenges of caring for patients with serious infectious diseases. Previous studies on BCU design have looked at ways to prevent self- and cross-contamination, but very few have examined how the built environment can support an improved patient experience.

A qualitative study was conducted with four patients treated for Ebola and two critical care nurses who provided direct care to them at a single BCU in the U.S. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews to capture the actual patients' perception and experience of isolation. The interviews were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach.

The Ebola patients placed in source isolation perceived the BCU as an artificial environment where they lacked control, agency, autonomy, and independence. The physical separation from other patients, visitor restrictions, and staff wearing PPE contributed to feelings of social and emotional isolation, and loneliness.

The isolation can take a toll on physiological and psychological well-being. A thoughtful design of isolation units may improve patients' experience by supporting human and social interactions, empowering patients through space flexibility and personalization of space, and supporting a more holistic approach to isolation care.