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Adolescent preferences for rooming during hospitalization
N O Miller1, S B Friedman, S M Coupey
1Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA.
Summary
Adolescents have divided preferences for hospitalization rooming, with equal interest in single or double rooms. Most teens also desire a parent to stay overnight during difficult medical times.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Adolescent Medicine
- Hospital Environment Design
Background:
- Understanding adolescent patient needs is crucial for improving hospitalization experiences.
- Hospital rooming arrangements can significantly impact adolescent comfort and recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rooming preferences of adolescent patients during hospitalization.
- To inform hospital design and policy regarding adolescent accommodation.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 95 adolescents (inpatients and outpatients).
- Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests to identify significant differences between groups.
- Rooming preferences and desire for overnight companions were assessed.
Main Results:
- Adolescents showed an equal preference for rooming alone (40%) or with one roommate (39%).
- Females were more likely than males to prefer single rooms (53% vs. 28%).
- A large majority (93%) desired a parent to stay overnight during challenging medical periods.
Conclusions:
- Hospital units should offer a balance of single and double rooms to meet diverse adolescent preferences.
- Individualized assessment and accommodation of adolescent rooming desires are recommended.
- Facilitating parental overnight stays is important for adolescent well-being during hospitalization.