Objective and subjective assessments of lighting in a hospital setting: implications for health, safety and performance
2013
Ergonomics
Journal Article
Issue 10
Volume 56
Pages 1535-1545
Author(s): Dianat, I., Sedghi, A., Bagherzade, J., Jafarabadi, M. A., Stedmon, A. W.
Poor lighting conditions in workplaces, particularly healthcare environments, can cause discomfort for both patients and staff members, while also negatively affecting the performance of standard tasks. Ailments such as eyestrain, headaches, and indigestion may evolve from low lighting levels, high amounts of glare, and even flickering light sources.
Added October 2016
Copper Surfaces Reduce the Rate of Healthcare-Acquired Infections in the Intensive Care Unit
2013
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology
Journal Article
Issue 05
Volume 34
Pages 479-486
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.
Added October 2016
Lost in space: The place of the architectural milieu in the aetiology and treatment of schizophrenia
2013
Facilities
Journal Article
Issue 9/10
Volume 31
Pages 427-448
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.
Added June 2016
Designing a “Think-Along Dwelling” for People with Dementia: A Co-Creation Project Between Health Care and the Building Services Sector
2013
Journal of Housing for the Elderly
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 27
Pages 299-332
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.
Added January 2016
Impact of the physical environment of psychiatric wards on the use of seclusion
2013
The British Journal of Psychiatry
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 202
Pages 142-149
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.
Added October 2015
Realizing improved patient care through human-centered operating room design: A human factors methodology for observing flow disruptions in the cardiothoracic operating room
2013
Anesthesiology
Journal Article
Issue 5
Volume 119
Pages 1066-1077
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.
Added March 2015
Patient Safety in the Cardiac Operating Room: Human Factors and Teamwork A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
2013
Circulation
Journal Article
Issue 10
Volume 128
Pages 1139-1169
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.
Added March 2015
Inpatient fall prevention: Use of in-room Webcams
2013
Journal of Patient Safety
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 9
Pages 29-35
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.
Added December 2014
Accessibility for mental healthcare
2013
Facilities
Journal Article
Issue 9/10
Volume 31
Pages 418-426
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.
Added December 2014
Improved Efficiency and Safety for EVAR with Utilization of a Hybrid Room
2013
European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Journal Article
Issue 6
Volume 46
Pages 675-679
Author(s): Varu, V. N., Greenberg, J. I., Lee, J. T.
The authors allude to technological advances like image-guided and catheter-based interventions in connection with contemporary vascular surgery in recent years. They indicate that with procedures becoming more complex, dedicated interventional suites with suitably trained and experienced staff were becoming a necessity.
Added December 2014
Outdoor Wandering Parks for Persons with Dementia
2013
Outdoor Environments for People with Dementia
Book Section
Author(s): Cohen-Mansfield, J., Rodiek, S., Schwarz, B.
Outdoor spaces in nursing homes are documented to be beneficial to residents. The author alludes to literature to highlight the specific advantages exposure to different types of outdoor spaces brings to the daily lives of people suffering from dementia.
Added December 2014
Pilot cluster randomised controlled trial of flooring to reduce injuries from falls in wards for older people.
2013
Age and Ageing
Journal Article
Issue 5
Volume 42
Pages 633-640
Author(s): Drahota, A. K., Ward, D., Udell, J. E., Soilemezi, D., Ogollah, R., Higgins, B., Dean, T. P., Severs, M.
Inpatient falls are a major issue for hospitals and are associated with mortality, morbidity and financial costs. Falls are particularly prevalent in elderly care environments, where patients have more risk factors for both falls and injury. With an aging society, this is an issue of increasing concern.
Added November 2014
Factors influencing evaluation of patient areas, work spaces, and staff areas by healthcare professionals
2013
Indoor and Built Environment
Journal Article
Author(s): Sadatsafavi, H., Walewski, J., Shepley, M. M.
One important element of high-quality healthcare delivery is a motivated and satisfied staff. Healthcare executives should regularly examine the factors that influence clinicians’ perceptions of satisfaction and quality so that necessary changes can be addressed.
Added November 2014
Assessing the optimal location for alcohol-based hand rub dispensers in a patient room in an intensive care unit
2013
BMC Infectious Diseases
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 13
Pages 510
Author(s): Boog, M. C., Erasmus, V., de Graaf, J. M., van Beeck, E. A. H. E., Melles, M, van Beeck, E. F.
The authors allude to literature which says that compliance of hand hygiene (which is crucial to reducing the spread of infectious disease) is low among healthcare workers (HCWs). Literature also shows that alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) improve hand-hygiene compliance by HCWs, which in turn is impacted by location, access to, and visibility of the ABHR dispenser.
Added November 2014
Process Simulation during the Design Process Makes the Difference: Process Simulations Applied to a Traditional Design
2013
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 6
Pages 58-76
Author(s): Traversari, R., Goedhart, R., Schraagen, J. M.
Minimal evidence exists regarding the design implications of using process simulation to assist in the process of designing new operating room (OR) layouts. While the traditional design process for OR layout does incorporate the experiences and insights of users, functionality testing of the OR environment is usually conducted post occupancy.
Added September 2014
Effects of patient-directed music intervention on anxiety and sedative exposure in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support: a randomized clinical trial
2013
JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association
Journal Article
Issue 22
Volume 309
Pages 2335-2344
Author(s): Chlan, L. L., Weinert, C. R., Heiderscheit, A., Tracy, M. F., Skaar, D. J., Guttormson, J. L., Savik, K.
Critically ill patients receiving treatment through mechanical ventilation (MV) are often given intravenous sedative and analgesic medications in order to reduce anxiety and promote ventilator synchrony and comfort. However, since these medications are often administered at high doses for long periods of time, they are frequently associated with various adverse health effects that can complicate healing and ultimately create more anxiety in the patient. Interventions that reduce anxiety with minimal use of sedative medications are needed.
Added September 2014
Post-Occupancy Evaluation of a Transformed Nursing Home: The First Four Green House Settings
2013
Journal of Housing For the Elderly
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 23
Pages 304-334
Author(s): Cutler, L. J., Kane, R. A.
To study how well the physical environments of four Green Houses® served the residents, staff, and visitors and to develop recommendations for similar small-house nursing home projects. Longitudinal post-occupancy evaluation of four houses using mixed-methods, including behavioral mapping, checklist ratings of individual bedrooms and bathrooms, place-centered time scans, environmental tracers,...
Added September 2014
Research note: Physical Activity in Pediatric Healing Gardens
2013
Landscape and Urban Planning
Journal Article
Issue October
Volume 118
Pages 53-58
Author(s): Pasha, S., Shepley, M., M.
Research has shown that frequency and duration of garden use within urban and hospital settings can be hindered through barriers such as uncomfortable seating and lack of shade. However, once barriers like these are removed, it is unknown if an increase in frequency and duration of garden use has an impact on the level of physical activity during garden visitation.
Added May 2014
