Advantages and disadvantages of single-versus multiple-occupancy rooms in acute care environments - A review and analysis of the literature

Private patient rooms have become the industry standard in the United States based on the assumption that they reduce the rate of hospital-acquired infections, facilitate patient care and management, and afford greater therapeutic benefits for patients. The objective of this article is to review and analyze the existing literature to identify the empirical evidence related to the advantages and disadvantages of single-versus multiple-occupancy patient rooms in hospitals. Three substantive areas were identified for synthesis of the review: (a) first and operating cost of hospitals, (b) infection control, and (c) health care facility management and hospital design and therapeutic impacts. The analysis reveals that private patient rooms reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections, allow for greater flexibility in operation and management, and have positive therapeutic impacts on patients. This review highlights the need to consider room occupancy issues along with other patient care issues and environmental and management policies.