Development of an algorithm for early clarification of isolation indication for acutely admitted patients with gastroenteritis (GE)

Isolation of contagious patients is expensive, requires more caregiver time and the
level of care and observation is lower than for non-isolated patients. But isolation
is necessary to protect other patients, hospital staff and relatives from contagion.
Different isolation regimes are available depending on the causative agent. A
community acquired GE is most often caused by Norovirus, while a hospital
acquired GE by toxin producing Clostridium difficile. Patients infected with these
two agents must be isolated in single-bed rooms, while patients with GE due to
other pathogens can be isolated in multi-bed rooms, with less strict isolation. As
the causative agent to the GE is unknown on admission to hospital, the decision
of isolation regime is based on the available information from the patient
implying a risk of isolating too many or too few patients. The aim of the study is
to identify factors for identification of contagious GE in the patient history,
examination and laboratory investigations.
Design: The study is a questionnaire survey over 18-month.
Metod: All acutely admitted patients due to the suspicion of GE will be interviewed
concerning symptoms of defecation, travel activity and use of antibiotics. These
results will be merged with results from stool samples, vital parameters and
routine blood test to develop a risk score for the contagiousness and need of
isolation.