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This paper aims to assess patient satisfaction with nursing care and related hospital services, and association between satisfaction and patient characteristics at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL).

A systematically selected sample of 380 patients warded for three to 90 days in general surgical/medical units was interviewed on discharge. Data were collected using a satisfaction instrument previously developed and validated for the same setting, that contained 36 items under five sub‐scales. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with satisfaction in each sub‐scale.

The paper finds that the majority of respondents were males (61 percent), aged 35‐64 years (70 percent), educated to GCE (O/L) and above (61 percent), and previously hospitalized (66 percent). The proportion satisfied with “interpersonal care” was 81.8 percent, “efficiency and competency”, 89.7 percent, “comfort and environment”, 59.2 percent, “cleanliness and sanitation”, 48.7 percent, and “personalized and general information”, 37.4 percent. Males reported higher satisfaction (OR varied from 2.29‐2.87, p < 0.001) than females. Patients with GCE (A/L) were less satisfied with “comfort and environment” (OR=0.45, p < 0.05) and “cleanliness and sanitation” (OR=0.45, p < 0.05) compared with those educated below grade 5. Satisfaction with “comfort and environment” was lower among patients from medical (OR=0.51, p < 0.01) rather than from surgical units.

Quality can be improved by assuring comfort, cleanliness, sanitary facilities in wards, and provision of general and personalized instructions. Nursing staff should understand patient characteristics and their expectations when providing care.

This is the first study that described patient satisfaction with nursing care and related supportive services using a validated instrument at the NHSL. The study highlighted aspects of dissatisfaction and recognized patient characteristics that predict satisfaction.

The aim of this paper is to discuss selected aspects of the design of post-disaster housing building on current guidance in this area. The paper focuses on the use of appropriate materials and technology to suit the climate and site and draws lessons from traditional housing types and settlement patterns.

A case study of a design project is used to illustrate an approach toward sustainable design. The approach is structured and could therefore fit into the wider structures and frameworks of providing such housing.

A design was generated that meets many of the desired environmental criteria. It was also found that important design resources are required by the design team not mentioned in the existing guidelines.

A limitation of the paper is that the design is hypothetical and there has been no input from prospective inhabitants or other groups.

The design approach illustrated here may be of use to relief organizations working in the field and also could be used to develop further awareness of sustainability. Organizations that provide for and coordinate post-disaster construction could consider making further design resources available as part of a project.

The study addresses the design of housing, which itself is an activity located in society.

The paper adds to the discussion on the design of post-disaster housing and supports the argument that such housing can help to support wider and longer-term development.