title: Patient preferences for a single or shared room in a hospice.
abstract: This study considers the preferences of hospice patients in relation to whether they would like to stay in a single or a shared bedroom and what factors might affect those preferences. It takes note of the circumstances that are likely to be found in a hospice in relation to difficult symptoms such as diarrhoea, the process of dying and noise from other patients. The findings show that patients generally have a preference for single rooms in order to preserve their dignity, respect and privacy. It also shows that choice is important and that a number of shared rooms will always be required for patients who prefer to have company.
authors.affiliation: St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds.
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kirk
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects; D010362:Patients' Rooms / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D018907:Privacy; D012752:Shame; D012890:Sleep; D013222:State Medicine; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires