Clinician Perceptions of a Changing Hospital Environment

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to describe how a move into a new hospital influenced the work environment, how long it takes clinicians to adjust to such a significant change, and how much a new hospital work environment helps the practice shift toward patient- and family-centered care (PFCC). BACKGROUND: Creating a healthy work environment to keep patients safe and staff engaged in the mission of the organization is perhaps one of the most important roles of hospital administrators and nursing leaders. METHODS: A descriptive and comparative design was used to investigate how clinicians perceive, evaluate, and adjust to a new hospital environment, and how much a healthy work environment helps the practice shift toward patient- and family-centered care. RESULTS: Perceived stress was significantly higher than baseline 15 months after the move into the new hospital ( p < 0.0000), and employees with 3 or more years of service had significantly higher stress than others ( p < 0.000). Nurses had the second lowest mean stress score ( x = 12.5). The PFCC score increased significantly ( p < 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The single-patient room model increased the workload of many clinicians, and their stress increased after 15 months. There were additional burdens not measured that also may have added to the stress of the participants. The new hospital enabled a significant practice shift toward PFCC.