Insights & Solutions

Talebzadeh, A., Decoutere, I., Vander Mynsbrugge, T., Botteldooren, D., Devos, P., Aletta, F., Van de Velde, D., & De Vriendt, P. (2023). The influence of everyday acoustic environments on the challenging behavior in dementia: A participatory observation study in nursing homes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

In order to overcome some of the challenging behaviors for persons with dementia, there is a need to understand how sonic environments contribute to behavioral reactions. The goal of this study was to identify the environmental and situational condition in relation to behavioral incidents. Thematic evaluation of antecedents, behaviors, and consequences resulted in four acoustic patient personas based upon a person’s capacity to interpret sounds and their capacity to react to them. There is both the opportunity to identify the most supportive sonic environments as well as develop supportive soundscapes based on the four personas that emerged from this study.

Hauge, Å. L., Lindheim, M. Ø., Røtting, K., Johnsen, S. Å. K., (2023) The meaning of the physical environment in child and adolescent therapy: A qualitative study of the outdoor care retreat. Ecopsychology

The experience of hospitalization can be extremely stressful, frightening, and even traumatic, especially for children. Children who are chronically ill and staying in the hospital frequently or for extended periods of time will often benefit from psychological therapy as part of their treatment plan. However, in many cases, especially with very sick children, the therapy takes place in the same physical environment where children are receiving care for somatic illnesses. This study focused on the impact of a nature-based “outdoor care retreat” cabin on therapy for chronically ill children staying in the hospital. Researchers found that participants tended to explain their experience in relation to their previous experience in the traditional hospital setting, emphasizing the benefits of the outdoor care retreat. In the hospital, sick children are patients. But taking a break from that space may allow them to be their full human selves again, even briefly.

This webinar will address how we as programmers, designers, and planners can influence inclusive healthcare environment that serves everyone. If health disparities are to be addressed holistically and universally, then healthcare design will be an important component of that shift. For clients that are serving underserved regions, whether with the construction of new facilities or the renovation of existing buildings on campus, we owe it to all shareholders to understand the issues of inclusive architecture, and to help them set, reach and exceed goals for meeting the needs of patients and families that traditionally do not have their healthcare needs met.

Learn about: the current state of burnout in healthcare; the impact of burnout on clinicians, patients and organizations; and the role of the built environment in mitigating burnout.

Learn about: the current state of burnout in healthcare; the impact of burnout on clinicians, patients and organizations; and the role of the built environment in mitigating burnout.

Strömberg, M., Liman, L., Bang, P., & Igelström, K. (2022). Experiences of sensory overload and communication barriers by autistic adults in health care settings

In order to overcome autistic adults' elevated risk for health problems that can be further exacerbated by stressful and inefficient health care experiences, there is a need to understand and overcome specific challenges regarding sensory and communicative barriers. The goal of this study was to identify problematic patterns of sensory and communication experiences for autistic adults. Environmental barriers to communication related to sensory unpredictability and the inability to exercise control over the immediate environment. Environmental overstimulation related to the intensity of a variety of stimuli, including background sounds, olfactory and tactile stimuli, bright, flickering and non-diffused lights, clutter, unpleasant colors, temperature and ventilation.

This virtual interactive, collaborative, problem-solving workshop is designed to project stakeholders (designers, facility executives, administrators, and care providers) to explore the key tenants of pre-fabrication and modular construction, how the benefits of “better, cheaper, faster” is balanced with quality and safety, and how design/build processes and budgets can be reframed from traditional healthcare design/build projects.

Xuan, X., Duan, X., Feng, Z. (2022). The demand for specialization and its influence on the design of inpatient nursing units: Can standardized design be done once and for all?

General medical-surgical units within a single facility have a similar design, but often provide specialized care. Options to create work efficiencies for nurses who may engage in unique tasks depending on the patient populations served, might improve patient care. Researchers developed a survey to collect demographic data and information on caregiving activities which was distributed to nurses on several types of general units. Additionally, ten nurses from different units were interviewed. Survey results demonstrated statistically significant differences in nurse perceptions of walking distance, clinical space, communication privacy, visibility, facilities and storage, acoustics, lighting, and thermal comfort. Interview data indicated that although nurses felt there was enough work similarity to justify a uniform unit layout across general nursing units, there were differences in terms of specialized caregiving activities required for unique patient populations, differences in spatial requirements for caregiving activities, and differences in allocation of space for equipment.

Tseung, V., Verweel, L., Harvey, M., Pauley, T., Walker, J. (2022). Hospital outdoor spaces: User experience and implications for design

While outdoor views and spaces can positively impact patient and hospital staff outcomes, research is needed to understand how outdoor design might contribute to patient therapy in post-acute and rehabilitation care. Researchers used a pre-occupancy evaluation to interview patients, family, and staff involved with rehabilitation activities in the outdoor areas of an existing hospital to inform the design of a new facility. Researchers identified three overarching themes: outdoor spaces and views help patients focus on life beyond their illness, specific design elements should be considered when planning outdoor views and spaces, and deliberate design of outdoor spaces can promote rehabilitation. Design elements identified in this single-site study include: year-round visual access to the outdoors, a variety of plants, water, and wildlife; challenging grades that support therapy but do not create barriers for patients with mobility issues; safety stations and clear signage for trails or paths; and separate spaces for patients/families and staff.

 This webinar delves into the critical role sound plays in promoting a healthy environment and considers important questions to ask when designing or updating environments for people as they age. The speakers will also share insights gleaned from their applied research to promote health and wellbeing for aging populations (especially those with dementia) and their caregivers. Stay tuned!