Patients’ Experiences of the Transition to a 100% Single-Occupancy Patient Room Hospital in the Netherlands

Abstract

Objectives: Our study examines experiences of patients admitted to multibedded patient rooms in a former hospital building, compared to patients’ experiences in single-occupancy patient rooms (SPRs) in a new hospital building, designed according to principles of a healing environment. Background: To improve patients’ privacy, comfort and infection control, newly built hospitals increasingly accommodate patients in SPRs. Methods: In a single-center, before-after study, patients completed a questionnaire of 40 items in four domains: privacy, sanitary facilities, patient room and ward layout. This substudy was embedded within the WELCOME study. Results: A total of 227 participants were involved in the before-measurement and 416 in the after-measurement. Patients considered the SPRs better in terms of privacy; more than 90% of participants (strongly) agreed with the privacy-related questionnaire items. Sanitary facilities, patient rooms and ward layout were also rated higher in the new hospital building. For most questionnaire items pertaining to these domains, more than 80% of patients in the new facility (strongly) agreed. 23.5% of respondents in the new building reported missing the companionship of fellow patients. Conclusions: Patients rated the 100% single-occupancy ward configuration more favorably than the former multi-occupancy layout, with enhanced privacy emerging as an important advantage. However, this same privacy can leave some patients feeling isolated. Future studies should explore targeted interventions—such as structured social activities or volunteer-led engagement—to mitigate loneliness and promote mobilization, while preserving the established benefits of SPRs.