Perspectives of Families and Healthcare Staff on the Design of Inpatient Hospital Rooms in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to explore the relationship between the perspectives of both family members and healthcare staff regarding the design of hospital inpatient rooms. It investigates the impact of family presence on the healing environment and examines the influence of specific design elements within inpatient rooms on the extent of family presence. Background: The positive impact of family presence in healthcare settings is rooted in the notion that patients and their families are significant stakeholders in the care process. However, little is known about the influence of inpatient room design elements on family presence in healthcare settings in the Middle East. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 359 participants, encompassing patients, family visitors, and healthcare professionals from three hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire items sought insights into the influence of design elements within inpatient rooms on family presence and the overall healing environment. Results: The results indicate a strong preference for single-patient rooms (74.5%), natural light (77.6%), comfortable seating (85.8%), and a family zone positioned by the window for unobstructed views of nature (50.5%). Furthermore, the study reveals that family presence is perceived to have positive effects on the healing environment (84.0%), patient safety (81.3%), and satisfaction with the care process (88.0%). Conclusion: This study proposes a design model for inpatient rooms that can effectively cater to the needs of patients and their families, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare building design.

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