Using decision aids to support self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: Self-isolation is a vital element of efforts to contain COVID-19. We set out to test whether decision aids can support self-isolation. Design: We conducted a pre-registered online experiment with a nationally representative sample (n ¼ 500). Three stages tested: (i) whether decision trees help people to decide whether they need to self-isolate; (ii) whether an online planning tool increases people's confidence in their ability to self-isolate; and (iii) whether infographics help people to absorb advice on managing a household in which someone must self-isolate. Main Outcome Measures: (i) Accuracy of matching symptom patterns to a response scale for the need to self-isolate; (ii) selfreported confidence in coping with self-isolation; (iii) objective tests of recall and comprehension. Results: Decision trees improved decisions about when self-isolation was necessary, although participants systematically underestimated the need to self-isolate with less common COVID-19 symptoms (e.g. sore throat, fatigue). The online planning tool increased confidence about coping with self-isolation only among the adults aged under 40. Infographics improved recall and comprehension of how to manage self-isolation. Conclusion: Decision aids can be used to support self-isolation during COVID-19. The study also demonstrates how even an emergency public health response can benefit from rapid experimental pre-testing of interventions.

Disease Prevention Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Role of Self-Esteem: An Extended Parallel Process Model

“…That is, the analytical results for the constructs in this research would likely differ between a sample of LINE users and a sample of the general public. Finally, in accordance with Pfattheicher et al 75 and Lunn et al 76 fear arousal was measured primarily in relation to fear of death. However, the likelihood of death from COVID-19 is not constant across the population.…”

A rapid review of measures to support people in isolation or quarantine during the Covid‐19 pandemic and the effectiveness of such measures

“…116 In a study conducted in Ireland, researchers hypothesised that, individuals would have increased confidence in their ability to isolate if they used an online tool (or decision aids) to help them make a plan and develop a routine for isolation. 117 The study, which was uncontrolled, conducted in April 2020 (n = 500 individuals), tested three interventions to help individuals first decide whether they need to isolate, second be confident in their ability to isolate should they need to and third manage a household in which an individual needs to isolate. 117 The authors reported that the behaviourally informed decision aids were associated with statistically significant, positive outcomes and can be used to support isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic.…”

“…117 The study, which was uncontrolled, conducted in April 2020 (n = 500 individuals), tested three interventions to help individuals first decide whether they need to isolate, second be confident in their ability to isolate should they need to and third manage a household in which an individual needs to isolate. 117 The authors reported that the behaviourally informed decision aids were associated with statistically significant, positive outcomes and can be used to support isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic. As such, the findings from the study have been incorporated into social media campaigns in Ireland.…”

Efficient ways of communicating time-of-use electricity tariffs in Ireland: Plain and simple

“…Given this limited scope of existing research about communication of ToU tariffs, the current study also uses insights from other domains to design interventions. For instance, the following are all factors that aid understanding and recall of information: simple language (Kim and Kim, 2015), categorisation of information (Kessels, 2003) and use of topic headings (Lorch et al, 1993), infographics (Lunn et al, 2020).…”