Barriers to Garden Visitation in Children's Hospitals

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 76-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samira Pasha
Keyword(s):  
Family Members ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Institutional Review Boards ◽  
Design Features ◽  
Support Design ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Outdoor Spaces

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify barriers to use of outdoor spaces in Texas pediatric healthcare facilities. BACKGROUND: Available research on hospital healing gardens and outdoor spaces has indicated that despite several health benefits of garden visitation for staff, patients, and family members, these amenities are not being used to their fullest capacity. Previous researchers have recommended design features such as comfortable seats and adequate shade to increase garden visitation in healthcare setting. However no quantitative data have demonstrated significance of correlation between presence of these design features and garden use. The present study served to statistically support design guidelines suggested by previous researchers and introduce new guidelines. METHODS: Site visits and surveys were conducted in five green outdoor spaces in three pediatric hospitals in east Texas. Hospital visitors, family members, and staff responded to questions concerning barriers to garden visitation, their visitation habits, and satisfaction with the garden features. The study was reviewed and approved by Institutional Review Boards of the relevant hospitals and academic institutions. RESULTS: A negative significant correlation was found between staff garden use and dissatisfaction with quality of seats and poor shade. While quality of seats didn't impact visitor and family member garden visitation, a significant negative correlation was found between poor shade and their garden use. CONCLUSIONS: The study served to statistically support previous design suggestions for hospital gardens, and introduced new design guidelines. Design recommendations include functionality, visibility, accessibility, exclusivity, and availability of shade and seats.

J-HOPE study: Evaluation of end-of-life cancer care in Japan from the perspective of bereaved family members

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9577-9577
Author(s):  
M. Miyashita ◽  
T. Morita ◽  
K. Sato ◽  
S. Tsuneto ◽  
Y. Shima
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Institutional Review Boards ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Bereaved Family ◽  
Care Evaluation

9577 Background: The Japan Hospice and Palliative Care Evaluation (J-HOPE) study was conducted in 2007 and 2008. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of end-of-life care at regional cancer centers (CCs), inpatient palliative care units (PCUs), and home hospices (HHs) in Japan from the perspective of bereaved family members. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional mail survey was conducted in 2007 and 2008. The survey was sent to bereaved families 6–18 months after the death of a patient at 56 CCs, 100 PCUs, or 14 HHs. Outcome measures were the good death inventory, the care evaluation scale, and overall satisfaction with care. The protocol of this study was approved by the institutional review boards of each participating institution. Results: Of the 13,181 bereaved family members that received the survey, 8,163 (62%) participants returned their responses. Among bereaved family members, significantly fewer responded that patients were free from physical distress at CCs (50%) than PCUs (80%) and HHs (73%) (P<0.0001). Significantly fewer patients trusted the physicians at CCs (79%) when compared with PCUs (83%) and HHs (88%) (P<0.0001). Significantly fewer patients were valued as people at CCs (83%) than PCUs (93%) and HHs (95%) (P<0.0001). In addition, significantly fewer participants felt physicians should have worked to improve the patients' symptoms more quickly at CCs (55%) when compared with PCUs (78%) and HHs (77%) (P<0.0001). Significantly fewer participants felt nurse should improve their knowledge and skills regarding end-of-life care at CCs (51%) when compared with PCUs (76%) and HHs (78%) (P<0.0001). A total of 51% of participants reported that nurses should improve their knowledge and skills regarding end-of-life care. Finally, significantly fewer participants were satisfied with the end-of-life care provided by CCs (80%) when compared with PCUs (93%) and HHs (94%) (P<0.0001). Conclusions: Overall, the bereaved family members appreciated the end-of-life care provided by CCs, PCUs, and HHs in Japan. However, in some situations, the quality of end-of-life care provided by CCs was lower than that provided by PCUs and HHs. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Quality Assessment of Health Information about Scaphoid Fracture in Chinese Websites (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaobin Yin ◽  
Jianguang Ji ◽  
Peng Lu ◽  
Wenyao Zhong ◽  
Liying Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Search Engines ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Scaphoid Fracture ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Specific Content ◽  
The Mean

BACKGROUND With online health information becoming increasingly popular among patients and their family members, concerns have been raised about the accuracy from the websites. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the overall quality of the online information about scaphoid fracture obtained from Chinese websites using the local search engines. METHODS We conducted an online search using the keyword “scaphoid fracture” from the top 5 search engines in China, i.e. Baidu, Shenma, Haosou, Sougou and Bing, and gathered the top ranked websites, which included a total of 120 websites. Among them, 81 websites were kept for further analyses by removing duplicated and unrelated one as well as websites requiring payment. These websites were classified into four categories, including forum/social networks, commercials, academics and physician’s personals. Health information evaluation tool DISCERN and Scaphoid Fracture Specific Content Score (SFSCS) were used to assess the quality of the websites. RESULTS Among the 81 Chinese websites that we studied, commercial websites were the most common one accounting more than half of all websites. The mean DISCERN score of the 81 websites was 25.56 and no website had a score A (ranging from 64 to 80).The mean SFSCS score was 10.04 and no website had a score A (range between 24 and 30). In addition, DISCERN and SFSCS scores from academic and physician’s websites were significantly higher than those from the forum/social networks and commercials. CONCLUSIONS The overall quality of health information obtained from Chinese websites about scaphoid fracture was very low, suggesting that patients and their family members should be aware such deficiency and pay special attentions for the medical information obtained by using the current search engines in China.

scholarly journals Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Major Impact on Lives of Both Patients and Family Members

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Esme Brittain ◽  
Nina Muirhead ◽  
Andrew Y. Finlay ◽  
Jui Vyas
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

Background and objectives: To explore the impacts that Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) has on the patient and their family members using the WHOQOL-BREF (Abbreviated World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire) and FROM-16 (Family Reported Outcome Measure-16) quality of life assessments. Materials and Methods: A quantitative research study using postal questionnaires was conducted. A total of 39 adult volunteers expressed an interest in participating in the study: 24 returned appropriately completed questionnaires. Patients with ME/CFS completed the WHOQOL-BREF and up to four of their family members completed the FROM-16 questionnaire. Results: ME/CFS negatively affects the quality of life of the patient (median scores WHOQOL-BREF: Physical health = 19, Psychological = 44, Social relationships = 37.5, Environment = 56, n = 24) and their family members’ quality of life (FROM-16: Emotional = 9.5, Personal and social = 11.5, Overall = 20.5, n = 42). There was a significant correlation between the patient’s reported quality of life scores and their family members’ mean FROM-16 total scores. Conclusions: This study identifies the major impact that having an adult family member with ME/CFS has on the lives of partners and of other family members. Quality of life of ME/CFS patients was reduced most by physical health compared to the other domains. Quality of life of family members was particularly impacted by worry, family activities, frustration and sadness. This highlights the importance of measuring the impact on the lives of family members using tools such as the FROM-16 in the ME/CFS clinical encounter and ensuring appropriate support is widely available to family members.

scholarly journals Family reported outcomes, an unmet need in the management of a patient's disease: appraisal of the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Shah ◽  
F. M. Ali ◽  
A. Y. Finlay ◽  
M. S. Salek
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Chronic Health Condition ◽  
Family Quality Of Life ◽  
Good Reliability ◽  
Huge Impact ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background A person’s chronic health condition or disability can have a huge impact on the quality of life (QoL) of the whole family, but this important impact is often ignored. This literature review aims to understand the impact of patients' disease on family members across all medical specialities, and appraise existing generic and disease-specific family quality of life (QoL) measures. Methods The databases Medline, EMBASE, CINHAL, ASSIA, PsycINFO and Scopus were searched for original articles in English measuring the impact of health conditions on patients' family members/partner using a valid instrument. Results Of 114 articles screened, 86 met the inclusion criteria. They explored the impact of a relative's disease on 14,661 family members, mostly 'parents' or 'mothers', using 50 different instruments across 18 specialities including neurology, oncology and dermatology, in 33 countries including the USA, China and Australia. These studies revealed a huge impact of patients' illness on family members. An appraisal of family QoL instruments identified 48 instruments, 42 disease/speciality specific and six generic measures. Five of the six generics are aimed at carers of children, people with disability or restricted to chronic disease. The only generic instrument that measures the impact of any condition on family members across all specialities is the Family Reported Outcome Measure (FROM-16). Although most instruments demonstrated good reliability and validity, only 11 reported responsiveness and only one reported the minimal clinically important difference. Conclusions Family members' QoL is greatly impacted by a relative's condition. To support family members, there is a need for a generic tool that offers flexibility and brevity for use in clinical settings across all areas of medicine. FROM-16 could be the tool of choice, provided its robustness is demonstrated with further validation of its psychometric properties.

The Psychological Supportive Design Features in Hospitals: Case of a Public Jordanian Hospital in Amman

2021 ◽  
pp. 193758672110295
Author(s):  
Nadine Al-Bqour ◽  
Shaher Rababeh ◽  
Rama Al-Rabady
Keyword(s):  
Interior Design ◽  
Public Hospital ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Design Features ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Hospital Design ◽  
Third World Country ◽  
Responsive Design ◽  
Healing Environments ◽  
Supportive Design

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop a practical framework that combines the psychological supportive design features in hospitals’ healing environments, also, to examine the implementation of these features in a Jordanian public hospital. Background: Positive psychological feelings are the hidden powerful treatment in hospitals. Although that Jordan represents a third-world country, it is counted as one of the most sought-after healthcare locations in the Middle East for its distinguished healthcare serveries (Private Hospitals Association, 2019). Nevertheless, the architectural and interior design of the healthcare facilities in Jordan usually ignores the inpatients’ psychological needs. Also, there is an absence of practicing a set of psychological supportive design features to guide the hospitals’ design in Jordan. Method: Design features are obtained from the main theories in the field of supportive healing environments. A large Jordanian public hospital was selected to be assessed in terms of these features within the developed practical framework. This study adopts a mixed methodology; data are collected using different methods, mainly literature review, site inventory, and inpatients’ questionnaire. Results: The studied hospital remains moderately considerable in terms of the psychologically supportive design features. However, the nature connectivity aspect is not satisfactorily considered in the studied hospital design. Conclusion: This study suggests a responsive design that fosters interaction and integration with surrounding nature in order to increase levels of connectivity with nature. The studied design features in this study could work as guiding principles for Jordanian hospitals’ designers.

scholarly journals Planning for the First and Last Mile: A Review of Practices at Selected Transit Agencies in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2222
Author(s):  
Hossain Mohiuddin
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
Gap Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Plan Implementation ◽  
Marginalized Communities ◽  
Transit Ridership ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
Transit Agencies

A transit trip involves travel to and from transit stops or stations. The quality of what are commonly known as first and last mile connections (regardless of their length) can have an important impact on transit ridership. Transit agencies throughout the world are developing innovative approaches to improving first and last mile connections, for example, by partnering with ride-hailing and other emerging mobility services. A small but growing number of transit agencies in the U.S. have adopted first and last mile (FLM) plans with the goal of increasing ridership. As this is a relatively new practice by transit agencies, a review of these plans can inform other transit agencies and assist them in preparing their own. Four FLM plans were selected from diverse geographic contexts for review: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro), Riverside (CA) Transit Agency (RTA), and Denver Regional Transit District (RTD), and City of Richmond, CA. Based on the literature, we developed a framework with an emphasis on transportation equity to examine these plans. We identified five common approaches to addressing the FLM issue: spatial gap analysis with a focus on socio-demographics and locational characteristics, incorporation of emerging mobility services, innovative funding approaches for plan implementation, equity and transportation remedies for marginalized communities, and development of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructures surrounding transit stations. Strategies in three of the plans are aligned with regional goals for emissions reductions. LA Metro and Riverside Transit incorporate detailed design guidelines for the improvement of transit stations. As these plans are still relatively new, it will take time to evaluate their impact on ridership and their communities’ overall transit experience.

scholarly journals Families' perception, knowledge, and psychological stressors associated with transition of care from the intensive care unit

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-56
Author(s):  
Gustavo Ferrer ◽  
Chi Chan Lee ◽  
Monica Egozcue ◽  
Hector Vazquez ◽  
Melissa Elizee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Expected Improvement ◽  
Transition Of Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Icu Discharge ◽  
Family Perceptions

Background: During the process of transition of care from the intensive care setting, clarity, and understanding are vital to a patient's outcome. A successful transition of care requires collaboration between health-care providers and the patient's family. The objective of this project was to assess the quality of continuity of care with regard to family perceptions, education provided, and psychological stress during the process. Methods: A prospective study conducted in a long-term acute care (LTAC) facility. On admission, family members of individuals admitted to the LTAC were asked to fill out a 15-item questionnaire with regard to their experiences from preceding intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization. The setting was an LTAC facility. Patients were admitted to an LTAC after ICU admission. Results: Seventy-six participants completed the questionnaire: 38% expected a complete recovery, 61% expected improvement with disabilities, and 1.3% expected no recovery. With regard to the length of stay in the LTAC, 11% expected < 1 week, 26% expected 1 to 2 weeks, 21% expected 3 to 4 weeks, and 42% were not sure. Before ICU discharge, 33% of the participants expected the transfer to the LTAC. Also, 72% did not report a satisfactory level of knowledge regarding their family's clinical condition or medical services required; 21% did not receive help from family members; and 50% reported anxiety, 20% reported depression, and 29% reported insomnia. Conclusion: Families' perception of patients' prognosis and disposition can be different from what was communicated by the physician. Families' anxiety and emotional stress may precipitate this discrepancy. The establishment of optimal projects to eliminate communication barriers and educate family members will undoubtedly improve the quality of transition of care from the ICU.

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