Evaluation of the effectiveness of isolation training given to the caregivers of patients in isolation with different methods: a randomized controlled study.

Introduction and aim: Caregivers of patients with communicable diseases or immune deficiencies must understand and correctly apply isolation procedures. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the isolation training given to the caregivers of patients who are isolated with different methods.

Method: This research is the first study in which isolation training was given with virtual reality and was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06638164-10/09/2024). The patient caregivers recruited during the training of the hospital in the intensive care unit and wards. The sample was randomized into a control group (n = 30) and an experimental group receiving virtual training (n = 30). In collecting the data; "Structured Information Form", "Knowledge Test on Isolation Precautions", "Skill Checklist on Isolation Precautions" and "Satisfaction with Education Survey" were used. The data obtained in the study were analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for Windows 25.0 program.

Results: 48.3% (n = 29) of the caregivers participating in the study were between the ages of 40-50 and 56.7% (n = 34) were male of the patients, 71.7% (n = 43) had bloodstream infection and 55% (n = 33) were in contact isolation. The skill total scores (81.58 ± 7.23) and satisfaction total scores (59.10 ± 2.51) of the caregivers in the experimental group were higher than the skill total scores (51.08 ± 7.61) and satisfaction total scores (55.06 ± 2.31) of the caregivers in the control group.In addition, the knowledge posttest measurements of the experimental group (7.70 ± 1.17) were higher than the information posttest measurements of the control group (5.23 ± 1.43).

Conclusion and suggestions: As a result of this study, it was concluded that the isolation training given to the caregivers of the individuals in isolation is beneficial in terms of increasing the knowledge and skill levels of the caregivers, and that the caregivers are satisfied with such technological training methods.