Using Decision Aids to Support Self-Isolation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Self-isolation is a vital element of efforts to contain COVID-19. We report an online experiment with a nationally representative sample (N=500) that tested behaviourally informed decision aids to support self-isolation. The experiment had three stages that tested interventions designed to help individuals to: (i) decide whether they need to self-isolate; (ii) be confident in their ability to self-isolate should they need to; and (iii) manage a household in which an individual needs to self-isolate. Relative to prevailing public health advice, displaying decision trees improved participants’ decisions about when self-isolation was necessary, although they systematically underestimated the need to self-isolate in the presence of less common COVID-19 symptoms (e.g. sore throat, fatigue). Interaction with an online planning tool increased confidence about coping with self-isolation among adults aged under 40. Presenting advice in the form of infographics improved recall and comprehension of how to manage self-isolation. The study demonstrates how public health policy can benefit from behavioural pre-testing of interventions.

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

“…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 117 …”

Boosting healthier choices

“…Accurate perception of risk "Fast-and-frugal" decision trees: simple decision aids that limit the number of questions or frame choices intuitively and memorably 31 People deciding whether they should self-isolate during the covid-19 pandemic…”

Physical and mental health status: A review of the Covid-19 pandemic's impact and related management strategies

“…Making long-term plans, estate planning, contingency plans, and strategically thinking about the future, like planning events and trips after the pandemic ends, were considered as coping management responses to the lockdown [80]. Additionally, planning has been favorable in increasing the confidence and coping of young adults with self-isolation [121]. At the same time, planning as an engagement coping technique has moderate effects on the symptoms of stress and distress on quality of life [122].…”