Qualitative perspectives of nurse managers on mixed‐gender accommodation in a regional hospital in Australia

Aims To explore and analyse the current bed management processes and understand the perspectives of nurse managers on mixed‐gender accommodation in a regional hospital in Australia. Background Mixed‐gender accommodation was introduced to help manage the increasing demand for hospital beds. Yet, some health services identify same‐gender accommodation better aligns with patient‐centredness. Method This qualitative research was conducted at a public hospital in regional Australia and focused on the experience in the general wards. Eight nurse managers were selected using purposeful sampling. Data were collected through face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews and thematically analysed. Results Three main themes were identified: current admission processes—managing admissions, bed allocation considerations, patient involvement and managing mixed‐gender rooms; impacts on patients—participant views, patient experience and bathrooms; and barriers and facilitators—capacity, infrastructure, safety and risk, bed swapping and organisational factors. Conclusions The study demonstrates a lack of structure and patient‐centredness with mixed‐gender allocation processes. Local organisational guidelines are suggested to support improvement in patient‐centred inpatient hospital accommodation. Implications for Nursing Management The findings of this study will help nursing leaders drive positive change concerning bed allocations and support advocacy for patient rights. Future studies should explore the patient perspective of mixed‐gender accommodation.