Year 2018 / Volume 25 / Number 4

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Original

Qualitative study on the influence of the physical environment in patients admitted to a Palliative Care Unit after its remodelling

Med Paliat. 2018;25(4):222-229

Magdalena Cegarra, Hadil Hassoun, Marta Villacieros, Daniel García Pérezy José Carlos Bermejo


ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this investigation is to study in depth the influence of the physical environment on the quality of life and experiences of patients of a Palliative Care Unit after its remodelling.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 5 patients of the unit, using a guide that included five dimensions: experiences in general, communication, quality of life, Palliative Care Unit concept and emotional and spiritual world. We used a qualitative approach for data analysis through a process of mixed coding.

Results: The patients attached great importance to privacy and intimacy in single rooms both at a personal and a family level. Common spaces, nature and art favour interpersonal relationships, emotional and spiritual experiences and generated positive memories in the patients. Considering the participants’ answers, we highlight several categories related to the environment created in the unit and its effect on the patient's social and physical wellbeing.

Conclusions: The humanization of infrastructures and material structures is part of the humanization of health care. Environment influences people's behaviour. It is important to create spaces that provide a balance between intimacy, physical and psychological comfort and to promote social relationships and experiences of connection and life.

Keywords: Physical environment, Palliative care, Qualitative study, Health humanization, Quality of life

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ISSN: 1134-248X   e-ISSN: 2340-3292

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