11. Environment

It's worth considering the environment in which ward rounds take place. Ideally the space would be relaxed and informal. In busy settings any space might be used, however if ward rounds are held regularly, wards might consider having a designated space that can be made more welcoming for patients and visitors.

Ultimately, thinking about how the physical environment could impact on a person who is feeling anxious or intimidated is really important. When asked about the opinions on the spaces in which ward rounds occurred, patients often said ‘it was the little things’ that made the difference.

Select the photo opposite to explore some aspects of the physical environment that could make a difference.

Image / interactive content