Visiting time preferences of patients, visitors and staff
Tanner, J.
Nursing Times 101(27): 38-42
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0954-7762 PMID: 16035413 Document Number: 594217
To obtain the views of patients, visitors and nursing staff regarding visiting hours. Questionnaires, collecting qualitative and quantitative data, were distributed on each of the trust's 35 inpatient adult wards. A total of 863 completed questionnaires were returned - 432 from nursing staff, 227 from patients and 204 from visitors. None of the three groups of respondents preferred completely open visiting; Patients and visitors preferred open visiting with a quiet hour; Nursing staff preferred set visiting hours; One-third of patients were embarrassed about receiving nursing care in front of visitors; One-third of patients, visitors and staff did not like visitors to be present at mealtimes. Nurses, patients and visitors did not prefer open visiting as first choice, preferring to have a rest period. This highlights the need to consult with service users.