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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 957

The impact of sensory stimuli on healthcare workers and outcomes in trauma rooms: A focus group study

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.
Key Point Summary
Added December 2023

Optimizing floor plans of accessible restrooms in elderly long-term care facilities: A path planning approach

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.
Key Point Summary
Added November 2023

Resilience room use and its effect on distress among nurses and allied staff

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.
Key Point Summary
Added September 2023

How Visibility May Reduce Security Issues in Community Hospitals’ Emergency Departments

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.
Key Point Summary
Added August 2023

From stressful to mindful: Reactions to a proposed emergency department design for enhancing mindfulness and stress reduction among healthcare clinical staff

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.
Key Point Summary
Added May 2023

Designing well-being: A qualitative investigation of young patients’ perspectives on the material hospital environment

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.
Key Point Summary
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

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.
Key Point Summary
Added May 2023

The impact of physical environments on outpatient mental health recovery: A design-oriented qualitative study of patient perspectives

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.
Key Point Summary
Added May 2023

Utility of a “lavender lounge” to reduce stress among critical care registered nurses: A cross-sectional study

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.
Key Point Summary
Added May 2023

Promoting mental health recovery by design: Physical, procedural, and relational security in the context of the mental health built environment

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.
Key Point Summary
Added April 2023

On the restorative break: Understanding the role of break room design on nurse engagement and satisfaction

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.
Key Point Summary
Added April 2023

A qualitative study of hospital interior environments during the COVID-19 pandemic

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.
Key Point Summary
Added February 2023

Coping and caregiving: Leveraging environmental design to moderate stress among healthcare workers in the emergency department setting

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.
Key Point Summary
Added February 2023

Effects of the physical environment on children and families in hospital-based emergency departments: A systematic literature review

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.
Key Point Summary
Added February 2023

Aesthetics and dementia: exploring the role of everyday aesthetics in dementia care settings

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.
Key Point Summary
Added January 2023

The psychological impact of the workplace environment in critical care A qualitative exploration

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.
Key Point Summary
Added January 2023

Analysis of functional layout in emergency departments (ED). Shedding light on the free standing emergency department (FSED) model

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.
Key Point Summary
Added December 2022

Leveraging discrete event simulation modeling to evaluate design and process improvements of an emergency department

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.
Key Point Summary
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

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
Key Point Summary
Added December 2022

Environmental transformations enhancing dignity in an acute psychiatric ward: Outcome of a user-driven service design project

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.
Key Point Summary
Added December 2022