Elective orthopaedic patients' views on the timing of hospital admission and alternatives to ward-based accommodation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine orthopaedic patients' views on alternative accommodation to conventional ward-based provision and to identify their priorities regarding facilities.


BACKGROUND
Patient length of stay has been significantly reduced in recent years, related in part to the introduction of ambulatory care. However, patients' views on their accommodation needs both pre- and post-surgery are unknown.


METHODS
A questionnaire was distributed to all orthopaedic in-patients from four admission wards.


RESULTS
A 76.1% response rate was achieved. Equal proportions of men and women responded. The majority of respondents were under 65 years of age. Nearly 80% of respondents indicated that a purpose-built unit on site was acceptable. In general, men compared with women found a wider range of accommodation types acceptable. The two most important aspects of accommodation for respondents were the availability of professional assistance and the opportunity to be with other patients. Overall, 78.5% of patients indicated that they would be willing to pay for facilities, such as private bathrooms.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients willingly participated in the survey on service planning. The findings highlight the importance of ensuring that differences between patients are sufficiently acknowledged.
Chesson
Rosemary
R
The Robert Gordon University, Kepplestone, Aberdeen, UK. r.chesson@rgu.ac.uk
Isaacs
Eve
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006268:Health Facilities / Q000592:standards; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009985:Orthopedics; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010343:Patient Admission; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors