There’s nothing like seeing room for improvement when you’re looking at the issue from the other side. Case in point:

Unfortunately, I had to have lithotripsy last week, which gave me quite a bit of time viewing healthcare from the “other side.” One place in particular that stood out like a sore and ugly thumb – the day surgery pre-operative holding area. You know exactly what it looks like – tan and light blue walls, the usual blah hospital tile floors, stretchers interrupted with who-knows-what-patterned curtains that try to mimic private rooms, unadjustable overhead fluorescent lights, one bathroom, and yes, the typical and necessary medical equipment.

Even despite the deep need for redesign for pure aesthetic feel, the pre-op area is begging for redesign for one other very important reason – privacy. Plainly, there is none.

I changed into a hospital gown – while in pain – while my husband stood in front of the gaping hole where the two curtains “joined.” No matter where I moved in the “room,” I could still see out and others could still see in. Needless to say, I changed quickly and threw the blanket on myself, which wasn’t the best idea due to the wave of pain it caused.

At least I was set. I could just lay back, put the cold washcloth over my face, and try to not vomit everywhere while I waited quietly for my turn in the OR. Uhm, wrong.

No, I overheard everything for every single person having day surgery before noon that we pretend curtains “block” – every personal conversation, nurse-to-nurse interaction, doctor-patient Q & A session, and anesthesia pre-op meeting. I knew the last name of most everyone in holding, the majority of their physicians, their surgical procedure, and type of anesthesia. Not only that, but I knew their concerns and the concerns of their attending family members or friends. Yes, I am a nurse, but I gathered all this information while dealing with both pain and nausea. Hello? HIPPA?

I understand the need for pre-op holding to be a flexible space, but that is one area that deserves special attention not only for aesthetics but for privacy concerns, as well. There has to be a better way. Know of any facilities that have already figured it out?