Creative Interventions to Alleviate Anxiety, Depression, during Protective Isolation

During bone marrow stem cell transplantation, patients often undergo a period of protective isolation. This standard practice aims to protect patients from infections while their immune system is compromised. Protective isolation involves various measures, such as restricting visitors, maintaining a sterile environment, and following strict hygiene protocols.

However, the consequences of this isolation can lead to increased anxiety and depression in patients. Healthcare providers must recognize these psychological challenges and consider implementing supportive interventions to help alleviate the emotional distress associated with protective isolation and improve patients' overall well-being.

Clinical Trial

A clinical trial assessed the impact of creative interventions during the protective isolation period on anxiety, depression symptoms, and sleep quality in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT). A randomized, controlled pilot study was conducted with 20 BMT patients. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 9) or the control group (n = 11).

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was administered on the first day of admission and the day of discharge. Researchers also collected daily data on sleep quantity and quality using customized questionnaires. While in the unit, the experimental group engaged in creative arts interventions for 60 minutes daily, 3 to 4 days a week.

Results

There were no significant differences in depression, anxiety, and sleep quality scores between the experimental and control groups after the intervention. However, within the experimental group, there were significant decreases in depression and anxiety scores, along with improved sleep quality scores after the creative arts intervention.

Conclusion

Creative arts interventions have the potential to benefit patients undergoing BMT by reducing anxiety, depression, and sleep problems associated with the isolation period.

Implications for Practice

Incorporating creative arts interventions can help patients cope with anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances caused by social isolation during BMT. Healthcare professionals can consider implementing creative interventions as part of supportive care strategies for BMT patients, aiming to improve their overall well-being during this challenging period.

By utilizing creative activities such as art, music, or writing, patients can engage in expressive and therapeutic outlets, promoting emotional well-being and alleviating symptoms related to protective isolation. These interventions provide patients with a means of self-expression and offer a potential source of comfort and distraction during their hospitalization. Healthcare providers should recognize the value of creative arts interventions in enhancing BMT patients' psychological and emotional resilience, ultimately contributing to their recovery.
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