Abstract
The Unit is a mixed medical/respiratory ward in an acute teaching hospital which caters for short and long stay patients with Tuberculosis/Respiratory conditions. The length of stay ranges from two weeks to two years. Lack of privacy and space and being confined to their bed area were concerns raised by patients during their stay.
The aim was to identify and improve the recreational needs of the patients. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on patient, visitor and staff satisfaction of the recreational ward facilities.
The study was executed in three phases:
1. Survey to examine satisfaction with current recreational ward facilities.
2. Findings used to inform the conversion of a vacant space.
3. Evaluation of newly provided recreational ward facilities
Overall 77 surveys were completed.63% of patients had a length of stay greater than six weeks. The majority of patients enjoyed recreational activities and meeting people prior to their admission. Not having a private space, concern about disturbing other patients, and no access to radio were identified as barriers to taking part in these activities. 72% of patients/visitors and 100% of staff identified the requirement for a private space to meet with the doctor/family member. Following renovation of a store room into a recreational day room, 90% of all respondents agreed that there was a quiet space available to socialise and spend time with family and visitors. 70% of patients/visitors also agreed that there was a place where they could be alone.
Collaboration and buy in from both staff and patients led to the successful provision of a recreational day room for patients.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016
