Exploring the relationship between personal control and the hospital environment

Area of Science:

• Healthcare research
• Patient experience
• Psychology

Background:

• Previous literature suggests a link between control and health outcomes.
• Hospital environments may influence a patient's sense of personal control.
• This study investigates patient perceptions of control within the hospital setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To further develop the theory of Optimising Personal Control to Facilitate Emotional Comfort.
• To identify aspects of the hospital environment that influence patients' feelings of personal control.
• To explore the relationship between the hospital environment and patient perceptions of control.

Main Methods:

• Grounded theory methodology was employed.
• Data collected through patient interviews and field observations.
• Constant comparative method used for data analysis, with a qualitative data computer program for management.

Main Results:

• Confirmed reduced personal control experienced by hospitalized patients.
• Identified 'level of security,' 'level of knowing,' and 'level of personal value' as key factors influencing personal control.
• Patient perceptions of these conditions were directly linked to their feelings of control.

Conclusions:

• Highlights the critical importance of patient personal control in hospital settings.
• Provides directions for creating therapeutic hospital environments that enhance personal control and emotional comfort.
• Recommends further research into developing and evaluating such environments.