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
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
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 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
2023
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 16
Pages 55-72
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
Designing a cardiac intensive care unit by employing an evidence-based design approach
2022
The International Journal of Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 17
Pages 61-81
Author(s): Alansari, A., Quan, X.
Research shows that the design of the physical environment of cardiac intensive care units (CICUs) plays a significant role in patient outcomes, patient safety, and quality of care. Evidence-based design decisions further influence healthcare personnel well-being, such as reducing workplace injuries and workers’ compensation claims.
Added December 2022
Impact of the soundscape on the physical health and the perception of senior adults in senior care facilities
2023
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 16
Pages 155-173
Author(s): Mu, J., Wu, Y., Wang, T.
Research shows that conditions of the indoor environment can affect human perception, satisfaction, and health. Senior adults tend to spend more time indoors such that the soundscape of the indoor environment (acoustics), may influence their health.
Added November 2022
Designing intergenerational spaces: What to learn from children
2023
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 16
Pages 174-188
Author(s): Norouzi, N., Chen, J.-C., Jarrott, S., Satari, A.
Research on intergenerational care programs where both children and older adults receive services in the same facility often relies on proxy reports from caregivers. The authors of this study sought to elicit perceptions of intergenerational care from the children who experience these environments.
Added November 2022
Strategies to evaluate the quality of hospital design with clinical data
2023
Journal of Hospital Medicine
Journal Article
Issue 6
Volume 18
Pages 538-543
Author(s): Mead, M., Ibrahim, A. M.
Healthcare design research engages multidisciplinary stakeholders who are often driven by competing agendas. The authors of this article discuss the challenges in evaluating hospital design, describe design features, which are often considered important to clinical care, and recommend strategies to enhance rigor into the evaluation process.
Added November 2022
The role of healthcare facility design on the mental health of healthcare professionals: A literature review
2022
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 16
Pages 270-286
Author(s): Jin, H.-Y., Gold, C., Cho, J., Marzban, F., Lim, L.
Research demonstrates that burnout is prevalent in healthcare workers and has been associated with negative consequences for patients, staff, and organizations. To date, initiatives to mitigate burnout and support staff well-being do not fully utilize the built environment.
Added August 2022
Cross-cultural design and healthcare waiting rooms for indigenous people in regional Australia
2022
Environment and Behavior
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 54
Pages 89-115
Author(s): O’Rourke, T., Nash, D., Haynes, M., Burgess, M., Memmott, P.
There is a lack of research exploring how modern medical waiting areas are perceived by Indigenous populations, and how these spaces might be improved to enhance the delivery of care.
Added August 2022
Lean design of the pediatric intensive care unit patient room for efficient and safe care delivery
2022
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 15
Pages 369-390
Author(s): Lu, Y., Bishop, N. B., Zadeh, R. S.
Pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) are often operated by specially trained registered nurses (RNs). Due to the high stress and sensitivity of these environments, optimizing RN workflows and safety protocols is important.
Added August 2022
The healthcare chapel: Improving well-being
2022
International Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Society
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 12
Pages 93-113
Author(s): Lawson, A. E., Alfaro, S. A.
Chapels serve as a place for patients, families, and staff that foster well-being. Because chapels are used by people from a variety of faith groups, it is important they are designed to accommodate the well-being of those whose needs may not be represented in the functional requirements of a single religious denomination or faith.
Added July 2022
