The visible patient

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

The results show that circumstances in the physical environment highly influence the patients' illness experience by possessing certain qualities or by the activities rendered possible by spatial conditions. The two wards possess many modern qualities adding to an enclosed and restricting environment. Patients come from a culturally dynamic and changing context where new approaches to healthcare and hospital physical space are generated. Whereas patients have integrated hospital-based biomedicine as a medical alternative, modern hospital space cannot accommodate certain patient needs. Patients, visitors and nursing staff negotiate space in order to overcome spatial weaknesses. Family members' overnight accommodation in the hospital, as well as their voluntary contribution to patient care, are two important aspects which are not spatially incorporated

An alternative ward design is suggested in which patients' and family members' active participation in the healing process is encouraged, with support from the nursing staff. The higher flexibility the design offers caters for the spatial integration of future hybrid processes

Key words: architectural theory, hospital design, healthcare building design, inpatient ward design, hybridity, embodiment, illness and disease, illness experience, patient-focused design, patient-centred design, healing environment, therapeutic environment, globalisation, discipline and space, Health for All, Hospitals and Primary Health Care, African hospital planning, Namibian hospital planning