Insights & Solutions

Several evidence-based design strategies have been identified to help reduce clinician stress and foster resilience.

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.

Lorusso, L., Bosch, S., Park, N.-K., Shorr, R., Conroy, M., Ahrentzen, S., & Freytes, M. (2022). Investigating the feasibility of multisensory environments to improve the assisted bathing experience for veterans with dementia: A clinical trial

While there is general support for using multisensory environments (MSE) as a therapeutic tool for improving patient outcomes, the feasibility of using MSE during bathing has not been studied. This study was undertaken in a bathing room that is representative of most found in long-term care settings within the Veterans Health Administration to understand the behavioral effects of MSE stimulus during bathing for Veterans with dementia. In general, the increase in positive behaviors and decrease in negative behaviors exhibited within this study supports a functional relationship between improved bathing responses and multisensory interventions.

Kevdzija, M., & Marquardt, G. (2021). Impact of distance on stroke inpatients’ mobility in rehabilitation clinics: A shadowing study

Failure to rehabilitate after experiencing a stroke typically results in admission to long-term care. While the stakes are high, understanding how size and spatial configuration of rehabilitation settings can support wayfinding and help patients overcome mobility barriers is unclear. This study was undertaken to evaluate the how distances between spaces in rehabilitation clinics impact patients’ mobility. Longer distances increased the number of encountered mobility barriers within five identified categories for all patients, with no significant difference between patients’ mobility levels. This study demonstrates that the spatial needs and independent mobility of stroke patients can also be improved through building layouts with short distances and carefully planned routes between destinations.

This webinar will highlight research and design strategies to mitigate challenges to the aging eye and cognition. Presenters will explore how daylight and bright electric lighting is even more important, balanced with very low level, warm lighting at night. Think it’s a good idea to mimic trendy hospitality lighting in senior spaces? Think again. For health and safety, we need to dramatically change our design approach!  

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

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

This intensive and interactive workshop will explore new and evolving approaches to infection control through new design innovations, clinical methods, technologies, and protocols. Attendees will participate in an interactive forum lead by industry experts including infection preventionists, environmental services leaders, facility managers, industry partners, and design specialists and will explore the importance of integrating the available options to continually improve outcomes and mitigate the risk of infection.