Patients and their families weigh in on evidence-based hospital design.

Background: In 2 landmark publications, the Institute of Medicine reported on significant deficiencies in our current health care system. In response, an area of research examining the role of the physical environment in influencing outcomes for patients and staff gained momentum. The concept of evidence-based design has evolved, and the development of structural guidelines for new hospital construction was instituted by the American Institute of Architects in 2006.

Impact of pediatric nurses' uniforms on perceptions of nurse professionalism.

This study examined the impact of nursing pants uniform color and style on perceptions of professionalism. Pediatric patients 7 to 17 years of age and their adult visitors were surveyed at two midwestern health care centers. Participants viewed eight photographs of the same RN in different uniforms.

Signs and symptoms of heart failure: are you asking the right questions?

Background: Patients may not verbalize common and atypical signs and symptoms of heart failure and may not understand their association with worsening disease and treatments.

Objectives: To examine prevalence of signs and symptoms relative to demographics, care setting, and functional class.

Methods: A convenience sample of 276 patients (164 ambulatory, 112 hospitalized) with systolic heart failure completed a 1-page checklist of signs and symptoms experienced in the preceding 7 days (ambulatory) or in the 7 days before hospitalization.

Characteristics associated with racial disparities in illness beliefs of patients with heart failure.

African Americans have greater misperceptions about heart failure (HF) than Caucasians. We examined socioeconomic and medical history factors to determine if they explain differences in accuracy of HF illness beliefs by race. 519 patients completed an illness beliefs and socioeconomic status survey.

Impact of nurses' uniforms on patient and family perceptions of nurse professionalism.

Background: Patients and visitors may perceive nurses as professional based on uniform color and style. Nurse image may affect patient and visitor trust and satisfaction with nursing care. Fitted white dresses have been replaced by loose-fitting or scrub white, colored, or patterned pant sets.