Alison Taylor1. 1. Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology NHS Foundation Trust.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is a debate within nursing on whether open visiting promotes or hinders patient care. AIM: This study aimed to add to the evidence base on which visiting times best suit patients, visitors and staff. METHOD: The study used a naturalistic research design. Three questionnaires were carried out with patients, visitors and staff in an oncology setting. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The three groups favoured set visiting times and protected mealtimes. Participants also favoured a limit to the number of visitors per patient at any one time and thought a quiet time should be introduced. CONCLUSION: Patients, visitors and staff preferred set visiting times. They also felt some flexibility needed to be built around these set times.
BACKGROUND: There is a debate within nursing on whether open visiting promotes or hinders patient care. AIM: This study aimed to add to the evidence base on which visiting times best suit patients, visitors and staff. METHOD: The study used a naturalistic research design. Three questionnaires were carried out with patients, visitors and staff in an oncology setting. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The three groups favoured set visiting times and protected mealtimes. Participants also favoured a limit to the number of visitors per patient at any one time and thought a quiet time should be introduced. CONCLUSION:Patients, visitors and staff preferred set visiting times. They also felt some flexibility needed to be built around these set times.