From the Summer 2012 StayHealthy publication
While no one wants to be in the hospital, Porter Regional Hospital has designed its all new, single occupancy rooms to help make you and your loved ones' stay as safe and pleasant as possible. Here are 6 examples of how privacy aids and supports the healing process.
1. Infection Control
The number one advantage of private rooms is infection control. It only makes sense when you have multiple sick people sharing one room the odds for infections increase. A research team from McGill University has demonstrated that private rooms play a key role in reducing hospital infections and suggests that length of stay may also decrease. The way Porter's all new private rooms are designed, there's not even a reason for bathroom sharing, as there's a separate sink for clinicians in each room.
2. Let's be really frank
Hospital stays generally involve frank discussions about very personal issues and body parts. Physicians have even found that some patients actually withhold critical medical information if they think a neighbor or roommate can overhear them. While on the other hand, patients in private rooms tend to be more candid with their doctors and nurses about how they feel, which enables them to better receive prompt and effective health care.
3. Good sleep
It's not just about the fluffy pillows and comfy mattresses. Good sleep is essential to healing. According to The Center for Health Design single-bed rooms can reduce noise disturbance from roommates, visitors and healthcare staff and thereby improve patient sleep. It goes on to explain that better sleep, which aids in healing, can also lead to shorter hospital stays.
4. It's a Family Affair
Families feel more comfortable and relaxed visiting a patient's room when they don't have to worry about disturbing another patient or patient family. That also seems to be the case with healthcare professionals as well. Evidence shows that doctors and nurses may have longer, more thorough discussions with their patients- and often the patients' family- in a private room. More family involvement provides everyone with a better understanding of the patient's situation and how it will be addressed, leading to greater comfort and support for all involved. It's a win-win.
5. Shhhh
Noise control can be an important factor in patient recovery. Excess noise can lead to increased anxiety, heightened pain perception, loss of sleep, and possibly, prolonged convalescence according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Something as seemingly simple as being able to control the volume on the television (or if it's on or off) can help the patient feel more capable and improve his ability to heal more quickly.
6. Hotel-Like Comfort = Total Healing Environment
With nearly all of the comforts of a fine hotel, Porter Regional Hospital's all private patient rooms include a flat screen TV, Wi-Fi access, a large picture window, individual temperature control, room service and a recliner that allows a family member to spend the night.