Attending to children’s needs and preferences regarding environmental elements of a hospital setting may reduce their fearThis study was based on the understanding that environmental factors in hospital settings can stimulate different emotions, some of which can have adverse effects on children’s health. The aim of this study was to investigate the needs and preferences of children regarding the design of therapeutic environments. A better understanding of their needs and preferences could possibly lead to the provision of more child-friendly and health-promoting hospital environments.
The Shahrivar Children's Hospital in Iran participated in this study. A group of 103 randomly selected parents of hospitalized children completed a 26-item questionnaire focusing on their perceptions of what environmental components their children would prefer in a hospital environment. Items on the parent questionnaire addressed five different categories: mental relaxation, comfort, attractiveness, positive distraction, and security. These five categories and related items were based on findings from a review of previous studies investigating factors influencing children's environment and stress in a hospital setting.
For reducing children’s fears, parents highlighted the importance of entertainment and play, natural light, the presence of green space, cheerful atmosphere, and the presence of family. “Happy colors” was identified as the most important factor for mental relaxation. For comfort, adequate lighting was reported as most important. Regarding the other three categories, artificial light was identified as important for “positive distraction”; “curve structures in the design of the environment” was an important factor in “attractiveness; and “readability in routing” was important for security. Green spaces, water elements, items hanging from the ceiling, a playroom, and outdoor play were also identified by the parents as elements they thought their children preferred. Religious elements, noise reduction, television, and art workshops were considered less important.
While this study was based on parents’ versus children’s perspectives – and further research is warranted -- the findings may provide valuable insights into what an ideal healthcare environment for children should offer. Suggestions for future research include gathering information directly from the children and investigating the impact of culture, economy and living conditions of people in different geographical areas.
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