Home quarantine experience

Introduction: Influenza is a highly contagious disease. Home Quarantine (HM) is a non-pharmaceutical intervention aimed at reducing viral transmission. To date, no studies have examined HM behaviours in adults with confirmed influenza who were hospitalised or attended the emergency Department (ED). Aim: To identify from a patient’s perspective, the essential HM information requirements, support needs and barriers to remaining at home. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured phone interviews of adults with proven influenza [polymerase chain reaction(PCR) assay], who had attended the ED or were hospitalised. Potential patients were contacted by letter informing them that they would be phoned in a particular week as per the approved protocol. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis to describe participants’ report of HM actions, inflection control knowledge and barriers to being HM. Results: Fifty letters were sent to potential participants with positive PCR from the pathology database. Disconnected phone (7), invalid number (1), no phone (1), underage (1), deceased (2), request not to call (1), no answer on 2 occasions (17) and 11 refused to participate. Nine interviews were conducted and data saturation achieved. Patient’s mean age was 54.7 years, 6 were female, 6 of 9 had comorbid conditions, 5 of 9 were hospitalised (average length of stay 2.56 days). Four major themes identified (1)Knowledge-need to understand infectivity and selfcare (2)barriers-managing day to day running of family (3)support-education and need for a practical information booklet (4)post discharge care-role of GP. Conclusion: Adults with influenza had poor influenza knowledge. Accessible HM resources that addresses concerns identified as a patient need.