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KMID : 0191120230380390303
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Journal of Korean Medical Science
2023 Volume.38 No. 39 p.303 ~ p.303
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Patient Anxiety and Communication Experience in the Emergency Department: A Mobile, Web-Based, Mixed-Methods Study on Patient Isolation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Rakhi Malhotra
Chang Han-Sol
Kim Tae-Rim
Cha Won-Chul
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Abstract
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Background : Anxiety and communication difficulties in the emergency department (ED) may increase for various reasons, including isolation due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, little research on anxiety and communication in EDs exists. This study explored the isolation-related anxiety and communication experiences of ED patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods : A prospective mixed-methods study was conducted from May to August 2021 at the Samsung Medical Center ED, Seoul. There were two patient groups: isolation and control. Patients measured their anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI X1) at two time points, and we surveyed patients at two time points about factors contributing to their anxiety and communication experiences. These were measured through a mobile web-based survey. Researchers interviewed patients after their discharge.
Results : ED patients were not anxious regardless of isolation, and there was no statistical significance between each group at the two time points. STAI X1 was 48.4 (standard deviation [SD], 8.0) and 47.3 (SD, 10.9) for early follow-up and 46.3 (SD, 13.0) and 46.2 (SD, 13.6) for late follow-up for the isolation and control groups, respectively. The clinical process was the greatest factor contributing to anxiety as opposed to the physical environment or communication. Communication was satisfactory in 71.4% of the isolation group and 66.7% of the control group. The most important aspects of communication were information about the clinical process and patient status.
Conclusion : ED patients were not anxious and were generally satisfied with medical providers’ communication regardless of their isolation status. However, patients need clinical process information for anxiety reduction and better communication.
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KEYWORD
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Anxiety, COVID-19, Communication, Emergency Department, Isolation, Patient Experience
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