Insights & Solutions

Ukegjini, K., Kastiunig, T., Widmann, B., Warschkow, R., & Steffen, T. (2020). Impact of intraoperative noise measurement on the surgeon stress and patient outcomes. A prospective, controlled, single-center clinical trial with 664 patients.

Embark with me on an exploration of operating room acoustics. In my presentation, I delve into the impact of noise on surgical outcomes, drawing from two literature reviews and a clinical trial. As a Ph.D. candidate specializing in hybrid operating rooms, I provide insights into the challenges posed by noise in these dynamic environments. The first review reveals the intricate relationship between noise levels and postoperative complications, highlighting its effects on stress, communication, and performance. The second review delves into the consequences of noise on surgical team functioning and patient care, focusing on communication breakdowns and potential errors. The narrative culminates with a clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a visual noise warning device as an innovative solution to address the issue of excessive noise. In conclusion, these results emphasize the need to address operating room noise for the benefit of both patients and surgical teams. Follow me on this journey where the answer to noise may be found in the surprising combination of visual design elements.

Mcleod, R., Myint-Wilks, L., Davies, S., & Elhassan, H. (2021). The impact of noise in the operating theatre: A review of the evidence. The Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Embark with me on an exploration of operating room acoustics. In my presentation, I delve into the impact of noise on surgical outcomes, drawing from two literature reviews and a clinical trial. As a Ph.D. candidate specializing in hybrid operating rooms, I provide insights into the challenges posed by noise in these dynamic environments. The first review reveals the intricate relationship between noise levels and postoperative complications, highlighting its effects on stress, communication, and performance. The second review delves into the consequences of noise on surgical team functioning and patient care, focusing on communication breakdowns and potential errors. The narrative culminates with a clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a visual noise warning device as an innovative solution to address the issue of excessive noise. In conclusion, these results emphasize the need to address operating room noise for the benefit of both patients and surgical teams. Follow me on this journey where the answer to noise may be found in the surprising combination of visual design elements.

Fu, V. X., Oomens, P., Merkus, N., & Jeekel, J. (2021). The perception and attitude toward noise and music in the operation room: A systematic review. Journal of Surgical Research

Embark with me on an exploration of operating room acoustics. In my presentation, I delve into the impact of noise on surgical outcomes, drawing from two literature reviews and a clinical trial. As a Ph.D. candidate specializing in hybrid operating rooms, I provide insights into the challenges posed by noise in these dynamic environments. The first review reveals the intricate relationship between noise levels and postoperative complications, highlighting its effects on stress, communication, and performance. The second review delves into the consequences of noise on surgical team functioning and patient care, focusing on communication breakdowns and potential errors. The narrative culminates with a clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a visual noise warning device as an innovative solution to address the issue of excessive noise. In conclusion, these results emphasize the need to address operating room noise for the benefit of both patients and surgical teams. Follow me on this journey where the answer to noise may be found in the surprising combination of visual design elements.

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.

Gharaveis, A., Hamilton, D. K., Pati, D., Shepley, M. M., Rodiek, S., McCall, D., (2023) How Visibility May Reduce Security Issues in Community Hospitals’ Emergency Departments, HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal

Given that volatile situations can occur in emergency departments (EDs), it is important to ensure that staff maintain awareness of unit activities and security resources so safety risks can be prevented or at least controlled. In this study, researchers used both observations and interviews to better understand the role of ED layout on staff perceptions of safety and security and overall awareness of departmental activities. While the optimal ED design is yet to be determined, findings from this study suggest that maximizing visual connectivity between ED staff, a centralized unit layout, and staff visibility of the ED entrance, waiting room, triage area, and areas in which psychiatric patients receive care can improve ED efficiency and reduce security risks.

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.

Keys, Y., Stichler, J. F. (2018). Safety and Security Concerns of Nurses Working in the Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study

Safety and security are top priorities for healthcare organizations, and are especially important in areas where patients are at their most vulnerable, such as the intensive care unit (ICU). ICU nurses and providers have intense responsibilities when caring for complex patients and a safe and secure environment of care is necessary. There is very little research on how design of the ICU environment affects nurse perceptions of safety – safety for themselves and for other patients. In addition, the research that does exist is largely based on an assumption that ICUs are safe and secure places. The current study begins to test this assumption, and results suggest the following recommendations for ICU design: smaller unit sizes, the need for improved visibility, the ability to access alternate exits, including security controls for emergencies or threats, and providing adequate staffing.

Beauvais, B., Richter, J. P., Kim, F. S., Palmer, E. L., Spear, B. L., Turner, R. C., (2021) A reason to renovate: The association between hospital age of plant and value-based purchasing performance. Health Care Management Review

There is a potential ROI for capital projects, which may have previously been unknown, ignored, or at least, not defined. The authors note that not every organization has the financial ability to fund capital projects, and the investments may cost more than the return associated solely with bonus payments from reimbursement.

Rubio, N., Macías, F., Gómez, E., (2021) The Children’s Council as a mean of participation in a hospital. American Journal of Nursing Studies

This study shows that “serious play” is a creative way to gain the insight of children through a design decision making process.

Degl' Innocenti, A., Wijk, H., Kullgren, A., Alexiou, E. (2020) The influence of evidence-based design on staff perceptions of a supportive environment for person-centered care in forensic psychiatry. Journal of Forensic Nursing

Staff satisfaction is an essential return on the investment being made to improve the provision and efficiency of care. Getting their detailed feedback on the design of the built environment makes good heart and business sense.