Healthcare Communication News

Dead plants at the hospital are confidence killers

Clean floors, healthy plants, and uncluttered desks can help patients feel more at home

By Healthcare Facilities Today


According to an article on the Ragan's Health Care Communications News website, dead plants in the waiting room can leave patients wondering, “Will they really be able to care for me?” 

A hospital valet running over a rubber cone can send the message of  “we will be lucky to hit your vein,” upon receiving an IV. And sloppy desks around the hospital can make patients wonder how well-organized and coordinated the care that they’re about to receive is going to be, the article said

It’s all about perceptions: Even if a facility is delivering the highest quality care around it won’t necessarily seem that way if the hospital administrators aren't mindful of other areas around the facility. 

It’s as easy as taking a step back, walking the hospital with fresh eyes and a new mind set, and imagining what a patient would perceive just by looking around, the article said. Don’t leave patients second-guessing the quality care the hospital provides and don’t underestimate what patients’ perceptions can do to HCAHPS scores.

Read the article.

 

 



December 27, 2013


Topic Area: Maintenance and Operations


Recent Posts

Cleanliness in Hospitals: Clinical Priority and Community Perception

EVS managers and communities value cleanliness for complementary reasons: managers for safety and compliance, communities for trust and comfort.


Dana-Farber Receives $50M Gift for Planned Cancer Hospital

A $50 million grant from the Yawkey Foundation will support construction of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s planned 450,000-square-foot cancer hospital.


Clarinda Regional Health Center Reports Data Security Incident

On or around December 15, 2025, Clarinda learned that certain data within its network may have been accessed without authorization.


Gaps in Nurses' Environmental Cleaning Knowledge Grow Amid Rising EVS Pressures

Environmental cleaning is crucial in preventing HAIs, but when the responsibility falls to those outside of EVS teams, problems arise. 


Ground Broken on the Southern Nevada Forensic Facility

Construction on the new secure forensic psychiatric hospital is expected to be completed in 2029.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.