Therapeutic Waiting Areas: A Study of Perceptions of Patients and their Companions in Hospitals

Abstract

The waiting area has an influence on patients and their companions and plays an important role in accessing medical services. Research suggests that hospitals are stressful environments, with high levels of uncertainty, fear, and anxiety. While the impact of healing and therapeutic features on patients’ in waiting areas of healthcare settings is known in Western cultures and contexts, there has been little or no research focused on the therapeutic features in waiting areas, particularly in Nigeria. This present study examined the perceptions of the features of therapeutic waiting areas and their effects on patients’ hospital experience, stress, and perceived relaxation. A survey questionnaire was employed to collect data from patients and their companions at two hospitals in North Central, Nigeria about their perceptions of therapeutic features in the waiting areas. The data were analysed using standard statistical methods. The results from this study demonstrated the significant importance of having well-designed waiting areas/rooms equipped with appropriate furniture in healthcare settings for the comfort of patients and carers. Additionally, views of nature, waiting areas with easy access to natural greenery, the presence of large windows, and calming and relaxing colours were identified as features that improve visual connection to nature and increased positive feelings and moods. The study, the first in a series of waiting room studies in Nigeria, provides valuable insights that can be useful for designing waiting areas in healthcare facilities. It also has the potential for fostering comfortable waiting areas for the wellbeing of patients and users in healthcare environments.