The impact of sensory stimuli on healthcare workers and outcomes in trauma rooms: A focus group study
2023
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Author(s): Bayramzadeh, S., Ahmadpour, S.
Research demonstrates that excessive sensory stimuli in healthcare settings can negatively impact patient, staff, and organizational outcomes. Because emergency department (ED) trauma areas can be especially chaotic, understanding issues related to noise, lighting, and temperature is the first step toward addressing the problem.
Added December 2023
Optimizing floor plans of accessible restrooms in elderly long-term care facilities: A path planning approach
2023
Architectural Engineering and Design Management
Journal Article
Author(s): Yuan, H., Shen, X.
Research demonstrates that diminished core strength and mobility can make it difficult for the elderly using wheelchairs or walkers (EUWW) to navigate confined restroom spaces. Ensuring adequate room to maneuver within restrooms can support the independence and self-esteem of EUWW and reduce the physical workload of caregivers.
Added November 2023
Resilience room use and its effect on distress among nurses and allied staff
2023
Journal of Neuroscience Nursing
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 55
Pages 80-85
Author(s): Prendergast, V., Elmasry, S., Juhl, N. A., Chapple, K. M.
The impact of COVID-19 on caregivers is well known, and while some research has been done regarding restorative staff spaces, a definitive strategy remains elusive. Features of restorative spaces can vary and the use of such areas is dependent on factors including patient acuity and staffing.
Added September 2023
How Visibility May Reduce Security Issues in Community Hospitals’ Emergency Departments
2023
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Author(s): Gharaveis, A., Hamilton, D. K., Pati, D., Shepley, M. M., Rodiek, S., McCall, D.
Research shows that many environmental factors have been employed to improve emergency department (ED) safety. Visibility as a design factor, an operational factor, and a layout characteristic can be leveraged to improve both safety and care efficiency.
Added August 2023
From stressful to mindful: Reactions to a proposed emergency department design for enhancing mindfulness and stress reduction among healthcare clinical staff
2023
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 16
Pages 82-102
Author(s): Valipoor, S., Bosch, S. J., Chiu, L. Y. T.
Research demonstrates that clinician burnout is a significant issue, especially in high-stress areas like emergency departments (EDs). Intentionally designed environmental features may serve to promote clinician well-being and mollify work-related stress.
Added May 2023
Designing well-being: A qualitative investigation of young patients’ perspectives on the material hospital environment
2023
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 16
Pages 168-181
Author(s): Payam, S., Hossaini, J., Zaschka, K., Friedmann, A., Mall, V.
Healthcare design research often includes user perspectives, but typically focuses on adult input. Young patients can provide useful insights into the remodel of pediatric facilities to better meet their unique needs. Environments tailored to a variety of developmental stages and physical abilities are more welcoming and engaging for young patients.
Added May 2023
Designing healing environments: A literature review on the benefits of healing gardens for children in healthcare facilities and the urgent need for policy implementation
2023
Land
Journal Article
Issue 5
Volume 12
Pages 971
Author(s): Din, S. K.-J., Russo, A., Liversedge, J.
Numerous studies have shown the benefits of nature in healthcare environments. Healing gardens have been of particular interest in healthcare design, but research on these settings tends to focus on outcomes for older adults. Healing gardens may support positive outcomes for children as well, including physical, mental, and emotional health.
Added May 2023
The impact of physical environments on outpatient mental health recovery: A design-oriented qualitative study of patient perspectives
2023
PLOS ONE
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 18
Pages e0283962
Author(s): Sui, T. Y., McDermott, S., Harris, B., Hsin, h.
Patient-centered (or human-centered) design approaches have helped designers to better understand patient needs and expectations during mental health treatment. Previous studies show evidence that the physical environment has an impact on the human experience, and the importance of environments that support feelings all humans strive for, including normalcy, safety, control, and belonging.
Added May 2023
Utility of a “lavender lounge” to reduce stress among critical care registered nurses: A cross-sectional study
2023
American Journal of Critical Care
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 32
Pages 198-204
Author(s): Smith, S. A., Kokoczka, L., Cottrell, C
Research demonstrates potential benefits of restorative break rooms to mitigate nurse stress. Intentionally designed break rooms may benefit nurses if room use is feasible. The results of this descriptive study suggest that organizational-level policy and cultural support must accompany the provision of restorative break rooms in order for nurses to benefit from the design.
Added May 2023
Promoting mental health recovery by design: Physical, procedural, and relational security in the context of the mental health built environment
2023
International Journal of Mental Health Nursing
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 32
Pages 147-161
Author(s): Wilson, R. L., Hutton, A., Foureur, M.
Research shows that effective inpatient mental health care should include environments that are safe, purposeful, and stabilizing. Environments that foster physical security, support therapeutic interactions between users and systems, and promote procedural security can benefit patients, family members, and staff.
Added April 2023
On the restorative break: Understanding the role of break room design on nurse engagement and satisfaction
2023
Workplace Health & Safety
Journal Article
Issue 7
Volume 71
Pages 329-336
Author(s): Lorusso, L., Ossmann, M., Orozco, T., Lawson, L.
Research demonstrates that breaks are important in mitigating the physical, cognitive, and emotional demands of nursing work. It is important that nursing unit break areas are not only accessible but also restorative.
Added April 2023
A qualitative study of hospital interior environments during the COVID-19 pandemic
2023
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 20
Pages 3271
Author(s): Bae, S.
There is a substantial body of research on the relationship between the physical environment and human health, and more recently, a growing understanding around how the healthcare environment impacts users, such as healthcare personnel.
Added February 2023
Coping and caregiving: Leveraging environmental design to moderate stress among healthcare workers in the emergency department setting
2023
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 16
Pages 261-277
Author(s): Bosch, S. J., Valipoor, S., Alakshendra, A., De Portu, G., Mohammadigorji, S., Rittenbacher, D., Black, K., Calienes, E.
Research demonstrates that healthcare work is demanding and emergency departments (EDs) are known to be particularly stressful. There is a lack of information about relationships between the built environment and the behaviors clinicians use to cope with work-related stress.
Added February 2023
Effects of the physical environment on children and families in hospital-based emergency departments: A systematic literature review
2023
Journal of Environmental Psychology
Journal Article
Author(s): Gripko, M., Joseph, A., MohammadiGorji, S.
The emergency department (ED) environment is often a very stressful place, especially for young children and their families. Previous studies show that highly stimulating environments may increase anxiety. There are many complex relationships among the physical environment and healthcare outcomes in the emergency department, and themes in this study include control, positive distractions, family and social supports, and designing for a safe and comfortable experience.
Added February 2023
Aesthetics and dementia: exploring the role of everyday aesthetics in dementia care settings
2022
Design for Health
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 6
Pages 91-113
Author(s): Fleetwood-Smith, R., Tischler, V., Robson, D.
Research shows that dementia, an umbrella term for diseases that affect the brain, is characterized as a condition that causes problems with memory, cognition, and function with activities of daily living. In the United Kingdom, approximately 70% of the population identifying with a form of dementia are residing in a care home environment.
Added January 2023
The psychological impact of the workplace environment in critical care A qualitative exploration
2021
Human Factors in Healthcare
Journal Article
Author(s): Grailey, K., Leon-Villapalos, C., Murray, E., Brett, S. J.
Researchers acknowledge the intersection of cultural and environmental elements of intensive care units and resulting staff perceptions of those elements. Single patient rooms, varying levels of visibility, and workflow issues are just a few of the environmental conditions that have an impact on clinical staff.
Added January 2023
Analysis of functional layout in emergency departments (ED). Shedding light on the free standing emergency department (FSED) model
2022
Applied Sciences
Journal Article
Issue 10
Volume 12
Pages 5099
Author(s): Brambilla, A., Mangili, S., Das, M., Lal, S., Capolongo, S.
Research shows that emergency departments (EDs) are facing overcrowding, increasing patient acuity, and short staffing, which all are impacting wait times to be seen and patient satisfaction scores.
Added December 2022
Leveraging discrete event simulation modeling to evaluate design and process improvements of an emergency department
2022
Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 3
Pages 397-408
Author(s): Zamani, Z.
Research shows that emergency departments (EDs) are frequently challenged by high patient volumes, unpredictable surges, and emergency care providers who may be at increased risk for burnout and mental distress. Furthermore, longer wait times have been associated with an increased potential for adverse events and patient mortality.
Added December 2022
The impact of the healthcare environment on patient experience in the emergency department: A systematic review to understand the implications for patient-centered design
2023
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 16
Pages 310-329
Author(s): Rowe, A, Knox, M.
Research shows that emergency departments (EDs) continue to be undersized, understaffed, and challenged with operational issues that cause decreased patient and provider satisfaction. The ED is at times the initial point of contact for a patient with the healthcare system and may be their first hospital experience
Added December 2022
Environmental transformations enhancing dignity in an acute psychiatric ward: Outcome of a user-driven service design project
2022
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Author(s): Faerden, A., Rosenqvist, C., Håkansson, M., Strøm-Gundersen, E., Stav, Å., Svartsund, J., Røssæg, T., Davik, N., Kvarstein, E., Pedersen, G., Dieset, I., Nyrud, A. Q., Weedon-Fekjær, H., Kistorp, K. M.
Research shows that the concept of dignity within psychiatric health seclusion is reflected mainly in patient care delivery rather than the environmental components of a healthcare setting. Still common are sparsely furnished rooms, white paint, and limited access to natural light or views of the outdoors.
Added December 2022