The first priority of any healthcare provider is to protect the health and well-being of their patients. Unfortunately, medical errors are among the leading causes of death and illness in the U.S. and can cost hospitals up to $10 billion annually. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, one in 19 hospitalized patients develops a hospital-acquired infection each year. In order to prevent the spread of infection, healthcare providers can implement clinician zones and hand-washing stations to reinforce the importance of proper hygiene.
In order to improve the overall hospital experience, hospital rooms should be designed with the needs of patients in mind. Artwork can be a source of calming and enhancing patients’ feelings. The placement of artwork in hospital rooms should be carefully considered and accessible. It should be placed near where the provider enters the room.
In a hospital room, you’ll find a bed, bedside table, chair, window, phone, and television. Most hospital rooms have private bathrooms, but some are shared with other patients. Some hospitals allow the parents of hospitalized children to sleep in their room with them. The staff in the hospital room should be able to help you navigate your way around your room.
In order to keep the air clean, hospitals employ several airborne precautions. These include negative air pressure in the room to prevent the spread of germs. Another common precaution is to disinfect the room frequently. During an infection, germs can easily be spread through tiny droplets in the air. Hospitals should implement airborne isolation if they suspect a patient is infected.
Despite Huguette’s discomfort, she tried to keep herself occupied. She made tough trade-offs to make sure her mother was never alone. She sacrificed time with her husband and dog, and even her career. All in order to keep a normal life for her mother. The hospital room was not completely dark – there was overhead light and a reading lamp. The walls were often covered with drawings by the nurse’s children.
In a hospital, each patient’s needs are different. For instance, some patients need surgery. In a medical facility, surgical patients require an intensive care unit that is staffed with specially trained doctors. Other patients are in the emergency room, where doctors treat patients suffering from injuries or illnesses. This unit is usually the first stop for patients after a serious illness.
In most cases, a patient is assigned a bed based on the diagnosis. The physician can also make arrangements for a private room. The doctor’s office will call the hospital to make these arrangements. If the patient needs a semi-private room, the doctor’s office will call the admitting office to make the necessary arrangements.