REVIEW PAPER
Elderly patients in hospital environment
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1
Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland (Urology and Urological Oncology Clinic, Chair of Oncology and Hematology, Faculty of Medicine)
2
Lower Silesian Specialist Hospital – Emergency Medical Centre, Wrocław, Poland (Urology and Urological Oncology Ward)
3
Lower Silesian Post-Secondary Medical School in Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
4
University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland (Department of Sociology of Security
and Education, Institute of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences)
5
Lower Silesian Specialist Hospital – Emergency Medical Centre, Wrocław, Poland
Online publication date: 2026-05-11
Corresponding author
Michał Wróbel
Politechnika Wrocławska, Klinika Urologii i Onkologii Urologicznej, Katedra Onkologii i Hematologii, Wydział Medyczny, budynek C-7, pl. Grunwaldzki 11, 50-377 Wrocław
HIGHLIGHTS
- The organisation of hospital wards should take into account the need for a home-like environment.
- Staff can play a significant role in organizing the free time of older patients.
- Older patients require special conditions during hospitalization.
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ABSTRACT
During hospitalization, older patients are exposed to an environment that differs from their home environment, which is particularly difficult for them. This article is a descriptive review of articles concerning the identification of factors relevant to the well-being of older people requiring hospitalization, covering data from the PubMed database 2015–2025. These factors included aspects of the hospital environment (such as interior design, furniture, lighting, music, the presence of friends or family), leisure activities, physical activity, adequate sleeping conditions and a sense of security. New technologies, such as smartphones and wearable devices, can help to achieve these goals. Elderly-friendly hospitals should recognise the specific needs of older people and provide them with security, well-being and privacy. Ultimately, improving the comfort of elderly patients in hospital leads to better treatment outcomes. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(4)