Upcoming Research Reports & Papers

Click here to view completed research reports

Environmental Correlates of Falls: Implications for Design of Healthcare Environments - April/May 2008

CHD CHER (Coalition for Health Environments Research) Paper

A critical review of the research literature and development of recommendations for the design of environments for older persons in independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities, and other healthcare settings.

Evidence for Innovation: Transforming Children's Health through the Physical Environment- May through October 2008

This project applies evidence-based design research, practice, and principles to pediatric hospitals and medical facilities.  Working with the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI), this project will produce a book-like publication (to include a literature review, business case, and recommendations), a facility design focused survey of NACHRI member hospitals and a web-based visual reference guide. 

Evidence Based Design meets Evidence Based Medicine:  Human Studies for Validating New Acoustic Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities Using a Collaborative and Trans-Disciplinary Approach for Improving Patient Outcomes

December 2008

CHD CHER (Coalition for Health Environments Research) Paper

CHD CHER in partnership with Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), the Academy of Architecture for Health Foundation (AAHF) and the Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI).  This study, conducted by The Cambridge Health Alliance in collaboration with Harvard Medical Schools addresses issues related to the acoustical design of healthcare facilities.

"Until recently, controlling noise and improving speech privacy were seldom emphasized when assigning design, engineering, and construction priorities.  This shifted abruptly with the July 2006 release of two key Guideline documents.  The 2006 edition of the 60-year-old AIA Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities, which becomes code in 42 states and for 7 federal agencies, was released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, AIA and AHA."

"In the future, these Guidelines will address acoustic and privacy concerns.  The new Draft Interim Guideline on Acoustics and Privacy for Healthcare Facilities (from the AIA and American Hospitals Association) is currently under peer review.  This guideline formally challenges planners, architects, designers, engineers, and builders to address noise and privacy as critical concerns."  (Solet, Jo, et al, 2007, Proposal).

This study hopes to contribute evidence proving design can improve the acoustical quality of patient rooms.  In addition, investigators aim to provide cost-benefit analyses linking acoustic considerations to improved outcomes.

A National Survey about Critical Issues in Healthcare Environments

CHD CHER (Coalition for Health Environments Research) Paper

We are conducting a national survey to identify and describe critical issues in healthcare environments - settings for ambulatory, acute, and long-term care.

The study is centered on issues and problems which have a bearing on the physical environment. The ultimate goal is to identify important research questions, leading to evidence-based design information.

Your opinion is important. Please take a few moments to respond to the survey by clicking here.

Designing Ambulatory Care Clinics of the Future: Compilation of Research and Best Practices

The Center for Health has received a grant from the California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) to create a comprehensive resource that can guide designers, healthcare providers, and decision makers in making critical decisions during the design and renovation of ambulatory clinics. Specifically, we will be compiling:

• The research literature that demonstrates the impact of the physical environment of ambulatory clinics on patient and staff outcomes
• A set of best practice facilities that can serve as examples to those involved in designing new facilities
• A list of experts, organizations and existing resources for those involved in designing new facilities
• Design strategy recommendations for ambulatory clinic design and identifying gaps in knowledge where future research needs to be conducted

An advisory committee of experts will provide feedback and input through the research project.

Philips Ambient Experience Research

We are working with Philips Design to identify 2-3 research projects that will examine the impact of the Philips Ambient Experience program on patient, staff and financial outcomes. The Center’s research team participated in a research workshop with the Phillips staff and are now in the process of short listing some exciting research possibilities.