Effect of Single Room vs. Contact Isolation Containment Rooms

The Norwegian Knowledge Centre was asked by the Health Directorate to review available research about the effect of single rooms vs. contact isolation containment rooms. There are many ongoing projects in Norwegian hospitals, the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings. A review of available research on the effect of single rooms vs. contact isolation containment rooms will be important. We did not identify any studies evaluating the effect of single rooms vs. contact isolation containment rooms for patients infected by communicable diseases or patients colonized with pathogens that triggers isolation precaustions. There is a lack of evidence on the effect of single rooms compared to contact isolation containment rooms for spreading of infections, therefore, we do not know if the effect of these rooms is comparable.