title: Patients' perception of physical aspects of an Emergency Assessment Unit: a questionnaire study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore patient's perceptions regarding the physical environment of an Emergency Assessment Unit (EAU).
  
  
  METHODS
  Questionnaire study at the time of discharge from the EAU of a UK District General Hospital Participants: All patients who were admitted through the EAU for three consecutive days.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Availability of modern facilities, close proximity to home and cleanliness were considered important parameters by <75% of patients. More than half of the patients considered presence of quiet space, good ward aesthetics and hospital food, provision of telephone and television facility, good ward security and ample hospital parking to be important aspects of an EAU.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patient views should form a key part of design when considering the physical environment of an EAU.
authors: Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist 92 Long Lane, Ickenham, Middsx, UB10 8SX.
authors: Tariq
authors: T
authors: Mahmood