Laminar air flow versus reverse isolation: nurses' assessments of moods, behaviors, and activity levels in patients receiving bone marrow transplants.
OBJECTIVE
To compare nursing assessments of moods, behaviors, and activity levels of patients receiving bone marrow transplants (BMTs) according to type of isolation environment.


METHODS
Retrospective, descriptive.


METHODS
University BMT unit.


METHODS
Records of 22 patients receiving BMT treated over a two-year period-12 were treated in laminar air flow (LAF) rooms and 10 in reverse isolation.


METHODS
Using a retrospective chart review, daily nursing assessments of patients' moods, behaviors, and activity levels were collected and compared based on type of isolation.


METHODS
Type of isolation and patient's behavior, mood, and activity level.


RESULTS
Patients assigned to LAF had significantly higher anxiety levels at admission than those assigned to reverse isolation.


CONCLUSIONS
Admission to LAF isolation appeared to be more anxiety-provoking than admission to reverse isolation; however, this finding needs to be replicated in a study with a prospective design using standardized psychosocial assessment. Findings are consistent with the evidence that patients view isolation as a temporary inconvenience rather than a major stressor.


CONCLUSIONS
Future research is needed. Preparing patients for isolation can include tours, educational materials, and explanations of procedures and events. Physical contact, even through gloves, can impart warmth and caring in the isolation environment.
Zerbe
M B
MB
Georgetown University School of Nursing, Washington, DC.
Parkerson
S G
SG
Spitzer
T
T
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010343:Patient Admission; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010356:Patient Isolation / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014110:Touch