Caregivers′ Evaluation On Hospitalized Children′s Preferences Concerning Garden And Ward

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of a garden on the psychological well-being of pediatric patients, aged 2 to 12 years, by determining their preferences concerning the domains (properties and attributes) of gardens and wards of two hospitals in Malaysia. The preference is a behavioral response observed by the caregivers, mothers and nurses. It is elicited using two sets of administered questionnaires; Set A for mothers (n=360) and Set B for nurses (n=43). From Set A, 94% of the mothers found that more patients preferred the garden than the ward. The mean preference scores of the garden are greater than the ward in 11 domains including refreshing smell, fresh air, full of light, cheerful environment, pleasant sound, scenic view, open space, free to play, not confined, home feeling, and place for variety of activities. From Set B, the nurses found that the patients preferred the garden more than the ward because it allows them to: (1) play freely and safely either alone or with peers, (2) escape from the confined ward environment into an open space where they can observe animals, and (3) gain control on their movements. As a result the patients feel cheerful and are more agile, suggesting their cognitive functioning is restored.