Judith Tanner1. 1. Derby Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust.
Abstract
AIM: To obtain the views of patients, visitors and nursing staff regarding visiting hours. METHOD: Questionnaires, collecting qualitative and quantitative data, were distributed on each of the trust's 35 inpatient adult wards. A total of 863 completed questionnaires were returned - 432 from nursing staff, 227 from patients and 204 from visitors. RESULTS: None of the three groups of respondents preferred completely open visiting; Patients and visitors preferred open visiting with a quiet hour; Nursing staff preferred set visiting hours; One-third of patients were embarrassed about receiving nursing care in front of visitors; One-third of patients, visitors and staff did not like visitors to be present at mealtimes. CONCLUSION: Nurses, patients and visitors did not prefer open visiting as first choice, preferring to have a rest period. This highlights the need to consult with service users.
AIM: To obtain the views of patients, visitors and nursing staff regarding visiting hours. METHOD: Questionnaires, collecting qualitative and quantitative data, were distributed on each of the trust's 35 inpatient adult wards. A total of 863 completed questionnaires were returned - 432 from nursing staff, 227 from patients and 204 from visitors. RESULTS: None of the three groups of respondents preferred completely open visiting; Patients and visitors preferred open visiting with a quiet hour; Nursing staff preferred set visiting hours; One-third of patients were embarrassed about receiving nursing care in front of visitors; One-third of patients, visitors and staff did not like visitors to be present at mealtimes. CONCLUSION: Nurses, patients and visitors did not prefer open visiting as first choice, preferring to have a rest period. This highlights the need to consult with service users.