title: Preferences in surgical waiting area amenities.
abstract: The purpose of this needs assessment was to determine which waiting area amenities family members deem important to make them comfortable when waiting for news about surgical patients. A literature review was conducted, perioperative staff members were interviewed and surveyed, and family members were interviewed and surveyed. The findings indicate that family members have preferences for specific amenities. Items of highest importance include the service of a surgical nurse coordinator and a private room for consulting with physicians. Items of average importance include beepers and educational materials about the procedure. Items of least importance include a food cart and soft music.
authors.affiliation: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Julie M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Carmichael
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Agre
mesh_terms: D001007:Anxiety; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006272:Health Facility Environment; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000523:psychology; D014789:Visitors to Patients / Q000523:psychology*