1.1 Introduction
Radiology changing room is a designated space in a healthcare facility where patients change into appropriate attire before undergoing radiological examinations, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. It is designed to ensure privacy and comfort for the patient (Manser, 2009). The use of radiology changing rooms and facilities plays a crucial role in the overall patient experience during medical imaging procedures. These facilities are designed to ensure privacy, comfort, and safety while patients prepare for radiological examinations. However, the attitudes of patients towards these changing rooms and facilities can significantly impact their overall satisfaction and perceived quality of care.
Radiology procedures often require patients to change into gowns or other appropriate attire, which necessitates the availability and accessibility of well-designed changing rooms. These spaces are not only functional but also impact patients' comfort and stress levels (Manser, 2009). The quality and design of changing facilities, including aspects such as cleanliness, privacy, and convenience, can influence patients' attitudes and experiences (Pittet et al., 2006).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The historical evolution of radiology changing rooms and facilities reflects broader changes in healthcare practices and patient-centered care. Early medical imaging practices, such as X-rays in the early 20th century, did not emphasize patient comfort or privacy in changing areas (Lee et al., 2018). As medical imaging technology advanced, so did the awareness of the importance of patient comfort and privacy. By the mid-20th century, healthcare facilities began to recognize the need for dedicated changing rooms to enhance patient comfort and dignity during radiological procedures. However, early designs were often rudimentary and lacked consideration for privacy and convenience (Manser, 2009).
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, there was a significant shift towards patient-centered care, which emphasized the importance of the patient experience and satisfaction. This shift led to increased focus on the design and functionality of radiology changing rooms and facilities. Research during this period began to highlight the impact of facility design on patient perceptions and outcomes. Studies began to show that well-designed changing rooms contributed positively to patient satisfaction and reduced anxiety associated with medical procedures (Pittet et al., 2006).
Recent developments have continued to build on these findings, with an emphasis on improving aspects such as cleanliness, privacy, and accessibility in changing rooms. Contemporary research has focused on understanding patient attitudes towards these facilities, revealing that factors like adequate space, and cleanliness significantly impact patient satisfaction and overall perception of care (Thomas et al., 2013).
The design and quality of radiology changing rooms and facilities are integral components of the patient experience in healthcare settings. Radiology procedures, which often involve diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, typically require patients to change into specialized clothing or gowns. Therefore, the provision of functional, comfortable, and private changing rooms becomes essential in ensuring a positive patient experience.
Historically, the focus on patient-centered care has highlighted the importance of facility design in improving patient satisfaction and outcomes (Manser, 2009). Changing rooms in radiology departments are expected to provide not only physical comfort but also psychological reassurance. The design of these spaces, including factors such as cleanliness, privacy, and accessibility, can significantly affect patients' attitudes and their overall perception of the healthcare facility (Pittet et al., 2006). Previous studies have shown that poorly designed changing facilities can lead to increased patient anxiety, dissatisfaction, and negative perceptions of the healthcare provider (Thomas et al., 2013). Factors such as inadequate privacy, poor cleanliness, and insufficient space have been identified as contributing to a negative patient experience (Lee et al., 2018).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to explore patients' perceptions of radiology changing rooms and facilities, focusing on aspects such as comfort, privacy, and overall satisfaction.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the assessment of patients' attitudes towards the use of radiology changing rooms and changing facilities is crucial for identifying issues affecting patient satisfaction and comfort. Inadequate changing facilities, including poor design and maintenance, are likely to contribute to negative patient experiences. Problems such as insufficient privacy, lack of cleanliness, and limited accessibility are prevalent issues that impact patients' perceptions and overall satisfaction with radiology services (Pittet et al., 2006).
Studies have shown that patients often experience discomfort and stress due to poorly designed changing areas, which can affect their overall perception of care and their willingness to return for future procedures (Thomas et al., 2013). Additionally, the failure to address these issues can lead to increased patient anxiety and dissatisfaction, which undermines the quality of care and may result in negative feedback or reduced patient compliance (Lee et al., 2018). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by evaluating patients' attitude towards the use of radiology changing room and changing facilities.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess patients' attitude towards the use of radiology changing room and changing facilities. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To identify specific issues or concerns patients have regarding the design and functionality of radiology changing facilities.
- To evaluate the impact of cleanliness and maintenance of changing facilities on patient satisfaction.
- To determine the accessibility and convenience of changing rooms for patients with varying needs.
- To assess patients' perceptions of the privacy and comfort provided by radiology changing rooms.
- To provide recommendations for improving the design and management of radiology changing rooms based on patient feedback.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- How do patients perceive the privacy and comfort provided by radiology changing rooms?
- What role does the cleanliness and maintenance of changing facilities play in shaping patient satisfaction?
- How accessible and convenient are radiology changing rooms for patients with diverse needs?
- What specific concerns or issues do patients raise regarding the design and functionality of radiology changing facilities?
- How can radiology changing rooms and facilities be improved based on patient feedback to enhance their overall experience?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: Poor design and maintenance of radiology changing facilities negatively affect patients' attitudes and willingness to return for future procedures.
- H02: There is a significant relationship between the quality of radiology changing rooms (in terms of privacy, cleanliness, and accessibility) and patient satisfaction.
1.7 Significance of Study
The findings from this study will have significance for various stakeholders in healthcare:
- Healthcare providers will gain valuable insights into patient needs and preferences, enabling them to enhance the design and management of radiology changing facilities, thereby improving patient satisfaction.
- Hospital administrators will benefit from understanding the direct impact of facility quality on patient experiences, helping them make informed decisions on investments in facility upgrades and better resource allocation.
- Radiology department staff will be able to use the study's insights to create a more patient-friendly environment, reducing patient anxiety and improving the overall workflow during radiological procedures.
- Patients will experience improved comfort, privacy, and satisfaction with their healthcare experience as facilities are redesigned or better maintained based on feedback and study findings.
- Policy makers will be able to use the evidence provided by the study to establish guidelines and standards for radiology changing facilities that ensure a higher quality of care across different healthcare settings.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the assessment of patients' attitude towards the use of radiology changing room and changing facilities using University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), National Orthopaedic Hospital (NIHE), and Niger Foundation Hospital (NFH), in Enugu State as a case study.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
This study faced several limitations that affected its scope and findings. One major limitation was the availability of insufficient data due to the restricted number of respondents, which impacted the ability to generalize the results to a broader population. Additionally, frequent power failures during data collection affected the pace and consistency of the research process.
Delays from respondents in completing and returning questionnaires also posed a challenge, prolonging the data collection period. Financial constraints limited the extent to which the study could access a larger, more diverse sample, while time constraints reduced the opportunity for more in-depth analysis. These factors collectively limited the breadth and depth of the study's findings.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Radiology Changing Room: A designated space in a healthcare facility where patients change into appropriate attire before undergoing radiological examinations, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. It is designed to ensure privacy and comfort for the patient (Manser, 2009).
Patient Attitude: Refers to the feelings, perceptions, and predispositions patients have towards certain aspects of their healthcare experience. In this context, it includes their views on the privacy, cleanliness, and accessibility of radiology changing rooms (Lee et al., 2018).
Changing Facilities: These are the physical amenities provided within the radiology changing room, including lockers, seating, mirrors, and changing gowns, intended to make the patient's changing experience more convenient and comfortable (Pittet et al., 2006).
Patient Satisfaction: A measure of how services provided by a healthcare facility meet or exceed patient expectations. It is a key indicator of the quality of healthcare services, including the perceived adequacy of changing facilities (Thomas et al., 2013).
Healthcare Facility Design: Refers to the layout and structure of physical spaces within healthcare settings, including changing rooms, that affect the functionality, comfort, and privacy experienced by patients (Manser, 2009).
