SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Effect of Contact Isolation on Physican Time at Bedside and Physician-Patient Communication

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This secondary analysis of a prospective observational study examined whether contact isolation affects physician time at the bedside and physician-patient communication. Because effective communication is central to high-quality care, the authors explored contact precautions as a possible barrier, while recognizing their important role in infection control.<br /><br />A total of 132 hospitalized patients were interviewed, with an average length of stay of 4 days; 26.7% were on contact precautions. The study measured time spent at the bedside and compared patient and physician agreement on key care topics, including the primary diagnosis, main concerns, planned tests, planned procedures, discharge date, and discharge location.<br /><br />The results showed no significant differences associated with contact precautions. Bedside time was not reduced in a statistically meaningful way (p = 0.48), and there was no significant difference in patient-physician agreement across all measured communication domains: diagnosis (p = 0.37), main concerns (p = 0.21), planned tests (p = 0.62), planned procedures (p = 0.62), discharge date (p = 0.29), or discharge location (p = 0.18).<br /><br />The authors describe the findings as surprising, especially given prior literature suggesting that contact isolation can create barriers to care. However, they note important limitations, including the small sample size and the fact that this was a secondary analysis rather than a study designed specifically to answer this question. They conclude that the issue deserves a dedicated prospective study to better determine whether contact precautions affect physician time at the bedside or the quality of physician-patient communication.

Asset Subtitle

Brian G. Harrison

Meta Tag

Author List Brian G. Harrison, John Ratelle

Category Research

Concept Contact Precautions

Concept Patient Communication

Concept Physician Time at Bedside

Concept Communication Agreement

Concept Analysis

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Presenting Author Brian G. Harrison

Track Communication

Keywords

contact isolation

contact precautions

physician-patient communication

bedside time

prospective observational study

hospitalized patients

patient-physician agreement

infection control

secondary analysis

communication barriers

Contact Precautions

Patient Communication

Physician Time at Bedside

Communication Agreement

Analysis