Department of Health

On the ward - limited resources

This section of the Hospital Environment Audit Tool (HEAT) contains modules that look at how the environment in the ward spaces of a hospital meet older people’s needs and enable them to participate in their care.

There are four modules in this section:

  • Rooms and bed bays
  • Bathroom
  • Communal spaces
  • Lighting, signage and wayfinding

These audit modules are designed to be used when you have a limited budget and short timeframe. Interventions suggested are able to be undertaken with a small amount of money (if any) and in a short space of time. Please note – there are separate ward audit modules that are more comprehensive and suggest interventions that require a larger budget and a longer timeframe. They can be found in the section: On the ward.

The Communal spaces module contains some suggestions would take some budget and/or timeframe to implement, while some may be able to be changed quickly and with minimal budget.

The modules in this section are each expected to take between 15 minutes and 20 minutes to complete. The audit modules may be completed individually or as part of a broader audit of the ward or other parts of the facility. The modules are not designed to be used for major refurbishments or new builds.

On the ward - limited resources: Rooms and bed bays

Examine how the environment in rooms and bed bays can be enhanced to optimise patients’ orientation, safety and comfort.

On the ward – limited resources - Bathroom

This audit module is designed to be used for all bathrooms on a ward. It can be used for bathrooms with both a shower and a toilet, or one or the other.

On the ward: Communal spaces

Use this module to audit the communal spaces in a ward - the ward entrance, hallway areas, any shared spaces and wayfinding around the ward.

On the ward - limited resources: Lighting, signage and wayfinding

This audit module is designed to look at ways that lighting, signage and wayfinding in a ward can be optimised for patient safety, orientation, ability to navigate and comfort.

Reviewed 28 March 2018

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More information

Contact details

Older People in Hospital Department of Health

opih@dhhs.vic.gov.au
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