Colonised and isolated : a qualitative metasynthesis of patients' experiences of being infected with multiple drug resistant organisms and subsequent isolation

Background: The rapid growth of antibiotic-resistant ‘super bugs’, as well as the evolution of new mutant viruses, has resulted in source isolation being a worldwide challenge. Being infected with multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) and the consequent isolation can be an extremely distressing experience which warrants further investigation. Aim: To identify, compare and synthesise studies on patients’ experiences of being infected with MDROs and subsequent isolation. Design: Qualitative metasynthesis. Procedure: Using a meta-ethnographic comparative method, nine qualitative studies were discovered on this topic, from which 43 themes and concepts were gathered. A closer examination yielded seven central themes which described the experiences of source isolation by 108 participants. Findings: An interpretative analysis of this metasynthesis yielded some new understandings. These include the need for: promoting effective and adequate communication; incorporating patients’ views in policies; employing an interdisciplinary model of care; continuity of quality care; providing individualised care; and improving staff education and competencies. Significances of this study: To recognise that although source isolation is a common practice in the clinical arena, patients often experience adverse effects. As the demand for accountability of the health workers to patients and the general public has increased, more responsive interventions must be developed.