Description
"Too often, people in pain are stuck in limbo. With no diagnosis there is no prognosis. They feel that without knowing what is wrong, there is no way to make it right" (Lewandowski, 2006, p. ix). Research has shown that environmental factors, such as views of nature, positive distractions and natural light can reduce anxiety and pain (Ulrich, 1984). Patients with chronic, painful diseases are often worried, anxious and tired. Doctor's appointments for those with a chronic pain diagnosis can be devastating (Gilron, Peter, Watson, Cahill, & Moulin, 2006). The research question explored in this study is: Does the layout, seating and elements of positive distraction in the pain center waiting room relate to the patients experience of pain and distress? This study utilized a mixed-method approach. A purposive sample of 39 individuals participated in the study. The study employed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the Lewandowski Pain Scale (LPS) and a researcher developed Spatial Perception Instrument (SPI) rating the appearance and comfort of a pain center waiting room in a large metropolitan area. Results indicated that there were no significant correlations between pain, distress and the waiting room environment. It is intended that this study will provide a framework for future research in the area of chronic pain and distress in order to advance the understanding of research in the waiting area environment and the effect it may have on the patient.
Details
Title
- Pain center waiting room design: an exploration of the relationship between pain, comfort and positive distraction
Contributors
- Draper, Heather (Author)
- Bender, Diane (Thesis advisor)
- Shraiky, James (Committee member)
- Lamb, Gerri (Committee member)
- Arizona State University (Publisher)
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)
2012
Subjects
- Health Care Management
- Health Sciences
- Chronic Pain
- comfort
- Interior Design
- Patient Distress
- Positive Distraction
- Waiting rooms
- Pain clinics--Designs and plans.
- Pain clinics
- Pain clinics--Physiological aspects.
- Pain clinics
- Waiting rooms--Designs and plans.
- Waiting rooms
- Waiting rooms--Physiological aspects.
- Waiting rooms
Resource Type
Collections this item is in
Note
- thesisPartial requirement for: M.S.D., Arizona State University, 2012
- bibliographyIncludes bibliographical references (p. 80-86)
- Field of study: Design
Citation and reuse
Statement of Responsibility
by Heather Draper