Personal space
Single-bed rooms are preferable for operational benefits
of better communication with staff, minimization of transfers
(due to roommate conflicts), fewer medication errors,
decreased infection rates, and comfortable inclusion of the
family.6 Orthopaedic and psychiatric patients treated in single
rooms were more satisfied with their care than those
treated in multiple-bed wards.39
Data from a 2002 Press Ganey survey of patient satisfaction
in labor and delivery units found an across-the-board
preference for single rooms on measures of perceived pleasantness
of room decor, cleanliness, courtesy of housekeepers,
temperature, noise, and how well things worked.40
Furthermore, Press Ganey national data for 1999-2002 show
a consistent preference for single rooms with much greater
patient satisfaction in overall care resulting.