Creating a healing environment: The importance of the service setting in the new consumer-oriented healthcare system

    Authors

    M. D. Fottler; R. C. Ford; V. Roberts;E. W. Ford

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Healthc. Manag.

    Keywords

    PHYSICAL SURROUNDINGS; QUALITY; SATISFACTION; CARE; Health Policy & Services

    Abstract

    Over the last ten years, the healthcare industry has recognized that the physical environment is a valuable resource that can and does affect all of its customers. Although most service organizations give some thought to setting, its importance to the service experience has been most thoroughly understood by those who view and treat their customers as guests, that is, the guest service industry. An excellent healing environment will reinforce excellent clinical quality, but an inferior environment can detract from fine clinical care. One of the most important principles learned by the guest service industry is to provide the setting customers expect. Another is to create an environment that meets or exceeds customer needs for safety, security, support, competence, physical comfort, and psychological comfort. This article provides a detailed discussion of how such an environment can be created in healthcare facilities drawing from the experience of the best guest service organizations.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Healthcare Management

    Volume

    45

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2000

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    91

    Last Page

    106

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000085804500007

    ISSN

    1096-9012

    Share

    COinS