Mixing sexes on a rehabilitation unit

Sixty-one former patients were interviewed regarding their reactions to sharing a hospital room with a patient of the opposite sex. Patients under 30 years of age had more favorable responses upon initial exposure than did intermediate age (30 to 49 years) or older (50 and above) patients, but a positive shift occurred in all groups. By the time of discharge, 90% of all patients reported an overall positive reaction to the experience. The use of mixed sex rooms, by fostering a noninstitutional atmosphere, may be a useful therapeutic tool.