Consumer perspectives in adolescent ward design.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to gain an understanding of the environment and facilities that adolescents require in a purpose-built adolescent ward.


BACKGROUND
People who are hospitalized have limited control over their care and environment. The experience of hospitalization is also considered a highly stressful event. It is essential that patients have an opportunity to participate in the planning and design of ward environments in order to reduce their stress and better accommodate their treatment needs.


METHODS
An interpretative qualitative design was used. Seven chronically ill adolescents were asked to design their own ward in order to obtain consumer input about what the perceived necessary facilities for adolescent wards.


RESULTS
The adolescents provided clear information about the facilities that should be incorporated into an adolescent ward to maintain their privacy and independence. Further research needs to be conducted seeking consumer input, especially if it can enhance the stay of adolescent patients while they are hospitalized.


CONCLUSIONS
Adolescent voice is more often than not represented by nurses, or other healthcare professionals in the patients' best interest. This practice acts on the assumption that the adult knows best and/or that adolescents are unable to articulate their own needs. Adolescent consumers contribute worthwhile recommendations to how a ward is run providing insight about their needs in the ward environment.
Hutton
Alison
A
Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia. alison.hutton@flinders.edu.au
D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000298:Adolescent, Hospitalized / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003256:Community Participation; D005260:Female; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006786:Hospitals, Urban; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010550:Personal Space; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013021:South Australia; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires