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Knowledge Repository

A complete, user-friendly database of healthcare design research references MoreLess about the Knowledge Repository

The Knowledge Repository is a complete, user-friendly database of healthcare design research references that continues to grow with the latest peer-reviewed publications. Start with our Knowledge Repository for all of your searches for articles and research citations on healthcare design topics. Access full texts through the source link, read key point summaries, or watch slidecasts. Expand your search and find project briefs, interviews, and other relevant resources by visiting our Insights & Solutions page.

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 42

Does the redesign of a psychiatric inpatient unit change the treatment process and outcomes?

Author(s): Urbanoski, K. A., Mulsant, B. H., Novotna, G., Ehtesham, S., Rush, B. R.
The overall “atmosphere” of a psychiatric treatment facility could be defined through the availability of patient autonomy and support from peers, the presence of aggressive behavior within the ward, and the general sense of ward organization and rule enforcement.
Key Point Summary
Added August 2018

Different Types of Door-Opening Motions as Contributing Factors to Containment Failures in Hospital Isolation Rooms

Author(s): Tang, J. W., Nicolle, A., Pantelic, J., Klettner, C. A., Su, R., Kalliomaki, P., Saarinen, P., Koskela, H., Reijula, K., Mustakallio, P., Cheong, D. K. W., Sekhar, C., Tham, K. W., Costa, C.
When under negative pressure, hospital isolation rooms are essential for both the containment of patients emitting airborne infectious agents as well as the protection of other patients from these agents. A plethora of different doors are used in the construction of these rooms, but relatively few studies have analyzed how certain door-opening motions and the passage of healthcare workers through these doors can affect the overall performance of isolation rooms.
Key Point Summary
Added December 2016

Copper Surfaces Reduce the Rate of Healthcare-Acquired Infections in the Intensive Care Unit

Author(s): Salgado, C. D., Sepkowitz, K. A., John, J. F., Cantey, J. R., Attaway, H. H., Freeman, K. D., Sharpe, P. A., Michels, H. T., Schmidt, M. G.
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) have been known to substantially increase patient morbidity and mortality, while also creating considerable financial burdens on patients and healthcare providers. Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are at higher risk for HAI due to the nature of the ICU environment. Metallic copper surfaces have been known to substantially reduce bacterial concentrations; however, the clinical efficacy of these surfaces in ICUs has not been previously measured.
Key Point Summary
Added October 2016

Social health and nutrition impacts of community kitchens: A systematic review

Author(s): Iacovou, M., Pattieson, D. C., Truby, H., Palermo, C.
Added August 2016

A framework for understanding grocery purchasing in a low-income urban environment

Author(s): Zachary, D., Palmer, A., Beckham, S., Surkan, P.
Added August 2016

Lost in space: The place of the architectural milieu in the aetiology and treatment of schizophrenia

Author(s): Golembiewski, J.
This article is a theoretical discussion concerning how designed and constructed environments can be significant factors in the psychogenesis of mental illnesses, particularly with non-affective psychoses. The authors believe that the current body of literature is lacking in resources that could help direct design decision-making to positively influence the well-being of mentally ill individuals. Discussing this matter may help identify specific qualities of the built environment that appear to be aetiologically related to psychosis.
Key Point Summary
Added June 2016

Altering micro-environments to change population health behaviour: Towards an evidence base for choice architecture interventions

Author(s): Hollands, G. J., Shemilt, I., Marteau, T. M., Jebb, S. A., Kelly, M. P., Nakamura, R., Suhrcke, M., Ogilvie, D.
Added June 2016

The effect of hospital layout on caregiver-patient communication patterns

Author(s): Pachilova, R., Sailer, K.
This article suggests that the field of evidence-based design (EBD), which considers information from case evaluations and credible research during design-related decision processes, has only marginally examined hospital layouts and their effects. As a result, this study attempts to build on the tradition of “Space Syntax” research, which is a theory that explores how space controls and generates encounters between inhabitants and visitors of certain spaces and how these two groups engage in communication.
Key Point Summary
Added June 2016

Designing a “Think-Along Dwelling” for People with Dementia: A Co-Creation Project Between Health Care and the Building Services Sector

Author(s): Van Hoof, J., Blom, M. M., Post, H. N. A., & Bastein, W. L
Many of the elderly prefer to age-in-place. However, if one of the elderly developments dementia, particular challenges may be posed when designing, constructing, or retrofitting an existing home environment. In the Netherlands about two-thirds of the people with dementia live at home. This is the setting for this study.
Key Point Summary
Added January 2016

Specialized Design for Dementia

Author(s): Habell, M.
Designing for people with dementia is a major need in elderly care buildings. However, it is difficult to design for this population, as the parameters of dementia itself are often vague. The author also notes that the registration requirements in the UK for a care home make no distinction between the type of dementia or the severity of the dementia.
Key Point Summary
Added January 2016

A study protocol for performance evaluation of a new academic intensive care unit facility: impact on patient care

Author(s): Ferri, M., Zygun, D. A., Harrison, A., Stelfox, H. T.
Added November 2015

Impact of the physical environment of psychiatric wards on the use of seclusion

Author(s): van der Schaaf, P. S., Dusseldorp, E., Keuning, F. M., Janssen, W. A., Noorthoorn, E. O.
Disturbed behavior and patient aggression within psychiatric wards can threaten both patient and staff safety. To manage these patients, psychiatric wards often will use coercive measures such as solitary confinement. Patient aggression arises from a complex interaction between patient characteristics, staff characteristics, and the characteristics of the physical environment of the psychiatric ward itself. Most studies have focused on the dynamics between patient and staff characteristics; little research has been done to investigate how the physical environment of psychiatric wards might influence patient aggression and subsequently the use of coercive measures.
Key Point Summary
Added October 2015

Ambient light levels and critical care outcomes

Author(s): Verceles, A. C., Liu, X., Terrin, M. L., Scharf, S. M., Shanholtz, C., Harris, A., Ayanleye, B, Parker, A., Netzer, G.
Several U.S. healthcare agencies endorse a guideline that requires the construction of windows in patient care rooms so that naturally regulated sunlight can contribute to interior ambient lighting. This recommendation has been adopted by agencies in 46 U.S. states. Few studies have analyzed the association between light levels and intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes. No previous studies have quantitatively measured light levels or assessed intermediate factors such as analgesic use.
Key Point Summary
Added March 2015

Impact of daylight illumination on reducing patient length of stay in hospital after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Author(s): Joarder, A. R., Price, A. D. F.
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Key Point Summary
Added March 2015

Realizing improved patient care through human-centered operating room design: A human factors methodology for observing flow disruptions in the cardiothoracic operating room

Author(s): Palmer, G., Abernathy, J. H., Swinton, G., Allison, D., Greenstein, J., Shappell, S., Juang, K., Reeves, S. T.
The authors indicate that disruptions in the workflow of surgeries can extend surgery times and contribute to the escalation of healthcare costs.
Key Point Summary
Added March 2015

Patient Safety in the Cardiac Operating Room: Human Factors and Teamwork A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Author(s): Wahr, J. A., Prager, R. L., Abernathy, J. H., Martinez, E. A., Salas, E., Seifert, P. C., Groom, R. C., Spiess, B. D., Searles, B. E., Sundt, T. M., Sanchez, J. A., Shappell, S. A., Culig, M. H., Lazzara, E. H., Fitzgerald, D. C., Thourani, V. H., Eghtesady, P., Ikonomidis, J. S., England, M. R., Sellke, F. W., Nussmeier, N. A.
The cardiac surgical operating room is a complex environment, where patient lives are saved or considerably improved with the help of sophisticated equipment and skilled personnel. Although outcomes are improving, adverse events still occur, many of which are preventable. This statement is the result of a review of literature that presented evidence on patient safety and interventions that worked in enhancing patient safety in the cardiac OR.
Key Point Summary
Added March 2015

Medicare Readmission Rates Showed Meaningful Decline in 2012

Author(s): Gerhardt, G., Yemane, A., Hickman, P., Oelschlaeger, A., Rollins, E., Brennan, N.
Added February 2015

Inpatient fall prevention: Use of in-room Webcams

Author(s): Hardin, S. R., Dienemann, J., Rudisill, P., Mills, K. K.
The National Database for Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) maintains data on patient falls nationally. Reported fall rates have ranged from 2.2 to 7 per 1000 admissions; 10% to 25% of falls result in an injury, depending on patient population. Falls adversely impact hospital costs as well as patient costs and overall well-being. The California HealthCare Foundation reported that technological innovations in the field of fall prevention, such as wireless patient monitoring systems, resulted in faster nurse response times and increased satisfaction for both patients and staff.
Key Point Summary
Added December 2014

Accessibility for mental healthcare

Author(s): Chrysikou, E.
Mental health facilities, according to the author, are designed and built to limit the mobility of patients, whether or not they are limited by physical disability. While physical mobility may be a consequence of the illness, in other cases the potential flight risk of a patient may require the facility policy to be restrictive regarding patient access to open spaces.
Key Point Summary
Added December 2014

Creating ‘therapeutic landscapes’ for mental health carers in inpatient settings: A dynamic perspective on permeability and inclusivity

Author(s): Wood, V. J., Curtis, S. E., Gesler, W., Spencer, I. H., Close, H. J., Mason, J., Reilly, J. G.
Added December 2014