Atmosphere heals - further development of the concept of classical individual practice

Abstract

This study evaluated the concept of a physician’s practice design that applies psychodynamic, patient-oriented and architectural aspects. We found that ecological principles, applied in a large ophthalmologist’s practice, are efficacious as factors of “atmosphere” and factors of treatment, and can be assessed by a questionnaire. A 32-item questionnaire was submitted to 919 consecutive patients, following their eye treatment. It covers aspects thought to be related to “atmosphere” including interpersonal relation, competence, interior design, service, encouragement, relaxation and an environment conducive to healing. A VARIMAX main component rotation analysis provided a five factor solution, namely perceived atmosphere, environment conducive to healing, waiting experience, relation and service (in the order of explained variance; overall: 65.4 %).