Reverse isolation: what patients perceive.

This study looked at patients' perceptions of reverse isolation while undergoing autologous bone marrow transplant (ABMT). Persons in reverse isolation experience both obvious and less evident stressors. To understand patients' perceptions of these stressors, semi-structured audiotaped interviews were held periodically during isolation (21-25 days) with six subjects receiving ABMT. This identified recurrent themes, which were than validated in a final interview. Most subjects understood the rationale of reverse isolation, and many prepared by bringing objects of personal value with them. Few mentioned feeling restricted by the room after the initial days. Some patients used the TV, VCR, radio, and telephone as "extensions to the world," as well as for entertainment. Subjects found visits from their main supports very important in coping with feelings of isolation. The patients' emphasis on a variety of ways to pass time was particularly interesting. The overall finding, however, was that the physical side effects of the treatment brought more distress than the isolation.