Insights & Solutions

Arafat, M. Y., & Atreya, S. (2024). Impact of hospital design on the psychological well-being of geriatric patients. Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment

Understanding how vulnerable patient populations perceive healthcare design can improve the mental, emotional, and health outcomes for all. The goal of this study was to explore geriatric in-patients’ perceived comfort, well-being, and stress in relation to design features in healthcare environments. Environmental factors identified through a review of the literature were categorized, used to evaluate three different hospital settings, and scrutinized in relation to geriatric in-patients’ perceived stress. Analysis revealed subtle preferences and significant insights into the architectural features enhancing comfort and reducing stress for geriatric patients during their hospital stays. Notably, the quantity and type of furnishings, proximity to services and environmental control features, and attributes affording privacy were revealed to be most influential for patient comfort, control, and anxiety.

This one-day virtual workshop provides the latest in design thinking for a variety of behavioral health care settings and offers state-of-the-art best practices through thought leader presentations, case studies, and panel discussions. Attendees will have opportunities to pose questions to workshop faculty and interact with fellow attendees.

As individuals age, physical, mental, and societal challenges become more prevalent. This intensive one-day virtual workshop explores those challenges and discusses programming and design interventions that can assist people (and care givers). Expert faculty will present case studies and examples that integrate architecture, design and technology into living environments that are not only safe, but foster wellness and longevity. 

Join a discussion with Josh Brackett of Banner Health to discuss how improvements in transition to operations planning can lead to a safer, healthier, healing environment from day 1! Occupancy of a new or renovated health care space triggers immediate regulatory and safety requirements including location of emergency shut-off valves, accurate inventory counts, preventive maintenance procedures for equipment, and updated and accurate life safety drawings.  As an industry, we have seen an increase in the inclusion of end-users in the design process, however, transition to  operations is an area where increased collaboration with facilities can yield greater results and improved safety. Josh will share his experiences as a facilities professional and will offer ideas and suggestions for improving the transition process.

Join a discussion with Addie Abushousheh as she shares design strategies for acute and ambulatory care settings!

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.