Does a mobile laminar airflow screen reduce bacterial contamination in the operating room? A numerical study using computational fluid dynamics technique
2014
Patient Safety in Surgery
Journal Article
Author(s): Sadrizadeh, S., Tammelin, A., Nielsen, P. V., Holmberg, S.
Surgical-site infections (SSIs) can increase patient morbidity and mortality and extend hospitalization time. Operating room (OR) personnel are the main source of airborne bacteria; a person releases roughly 104 skin scales per minute while walking, 10% of which carry bacteria, although up to 12 times as many microorganisms may be discharged depending on the individual and situation. Bacteria in the OR might contaminate a surgical wound through contact with the air or through contaminated surgical instruments.
Added November 2014
Hospital bathroom ergonomics: Safety, usability and accessibility issues
2014
Clinical Nursing Studies
Journal Article
Author(s): Capodaglio, E. M.
The design of a hospital bathroom is important in terms of its usability and accessibility and crucial for patient and staff safety. A bathroom’s design and layout becomes more important in a rehabilitation unit, where patient mobility is restricted for various reasons.
Added November 2014
Analysis of the soundscape in an intensive care unit based on the annotation of an audio recording
2014
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 135
Pages 1875-1886
Author(s): Park, M., Kohlrausch, A., de Bruijn, W., de Jager, P., Simons, K.
Patients receiving treatment in intensive care units (ICUs) are often subjected to elevated noise levels that can complicate recovery by disturbing sleep patterns and causing stress, anxiety, and changes in cardiovascular response. Although previous research has thoroughly analyzed the various sources of noise in ICUs, the authors of this study believe that inadequate recording and sound analysis techniques, as well as the presence of human observers collecting data, have restricted the depth of previous findings.
Added November 2014
Building design and performance: A comparative longitudinal assessment of a children's hospital
2014
Building and Environment
Journal Article
Author(s): Thiel, C. L., Needy, K. L., Ries, R., Hupp, D., Bilec, M. M.
The aesthetics and design of a medical treatment facility can influence energy consumption, staff performance, and patient recovery. Evidence-Based Design (EBD) has been cited in many studies as an effective way to improve healthcare outcomes and hospitals’ performance, but further investigation is needed. This is particularly true at a whole-building level, to reveal the relationship between building design and health, and to observe the performance of newer building designs, especially with regard to green healthcare buildings.
Added November 2014
Reduction of healthcare-associated infections in a long-term care brain injury ward by replacing regular linens with biocidal copper oxide impregnated linens
2014
International Journal of Infectious Diseases
Journal Article
Author(s): Lazary, A., Weinberg, I., Vatine, J.-J., Jefidoff, A., Bardenstein, R., Borkow, G., Ohana, N.
Due to its antibacterial, antiviral, and fungicidal properties, copper has been widely used for centuries as a biocide. Microorganisms resistant to copper are extremely rare. Recently, methods have been developed for embedding copper oxide particles into textile products, thereby giving them antimicrobial and anti-mite properties, and in some cases, advanced wound-healing abilities. Consumer products featuring copper oxide such as sheets, diapers, and pillowcases have been proven completely safe to humans through numerous studies, with no adverse health reactions on record.
Added November 2014
Field evaluation of a new point-of-use faucet filter for preventing exposure to Legionella and other waterborne pathogens in health care facilities
2014
American Journal of Infection Control
Journal Article
Issue 11
Volume 42
Pages 1193-1196
Author(s): Baron, J. L., Peters, T., Shafer, R., MacMurray, B., Stout, J. E.
Waterborne pathogens exist in hospital water distribution systems in spite of different disinfection methods and can potentially cause hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in patients. The authors refer to previous studies which indicated the ineffectiveness of disinfecting methods in the complete removal of Legionella pathogen from water fixtures. This, they emphasized, called for the use of additional interventions like point-of-use (POU) filters, especially for safeguarding high-risk patients.
Added November 2014
Young children's perspectives of ideal physical design features for hospital-built environments
2014
Journal of Child Health Care
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 18
Pages 57-71
Author(s): Lambert, V., Coad, J., Hicks, P., Glacken, M.
Current research has sought to understand pediatric hospital environments through studies designed to gain insight into the hospital experience from a child’s perspective. While this research has provided insight into a child’s emotional response to being in a hospital environment, little has been done to gain insight into the physical design from a child’s perspective.
Added November 2014
Medication Dispensing Errors and Potential Adverse Drug Events before and after Implementing Bar Code Technology in the Pharmacy
2006
Annals of Internal Medicine
Journal Article
Issue 6
Volume 145
Pages 426-434
Author(s): Poon, E. G., Cina, J. L., Churchill, W., Patel, N., Featherstone, E., Rothschild, J. M., Keohane, C. A., Whittemore, A. D., Bates, D. W., Gandhi, T. K.
Medication errors are errors that occur while ordering, transcribing, dispensing, administering, or monitoring medications. Medication dispensing errors refer to discrepancies between a prescription and the medication dispensed by a pharmacist.
Added November 2014
Reducing Falls in a Definitive Observation Unit: An Evidence-Based Practice Institute Consortium Project
2008
Critical Care Nursing Quarterly
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 31
Pages 127-139
Author(s): Gutierrez, F., Smith, K.
A Definitive Observation Unit (DOU) in a hospital in California maintains high standards of nursing and follows an evidence-based practice of fall prevention. Yet the facility’s fall rates continue to be higher than the benchmark for similar hospitals.
Added September 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
Original sound compositions reduce anxiety in emergency department patients: a randomised controlled trial
2011
The Medical Journal of Australia
Journal Article
Issue 11-12
Volume 195
Pages 694-8
Author(s): Weiland, T. J., Jelinek, G. A., Macarow, K. E., Samartzis, P., Brown, D. M., Grierson, E. M., Winter, C.
Patients being treated in emergency departments (EDs) might experience anxiety during their stay. The beneficial effect of music on anxiety has been well demonstrated in previous studies, but no previous study has investigated the potential anxiety-reducing effects of sound interventions or the use of binaural beats among adult ED patients.
Added September 2014
Effects of music intervention on physiological stress response and anxiety level of mechanically ventilated patients in China: A randomised controlled trial
2010
Journal of Clinical Nursing
Journal Article
Issue 7‐8
Volume 19
Pages 978-987
Author(s): Han, L., Li, J. P., Sit, J. W. H., Chung, L., Jiao, Z. Y., Ma, W. G.
Mechanical ventilation (MV) is one of the most common treatments used in intensive care units (ICUs). MV is known for causing stress and anxiety in patients due to frequent instances of sleep deprivation, pain, fear, communication difficulties, loneliness, and lack of control. Heightened levels of anxiety can manifest in various detrimental physiological responses and ultimately lead to a sicker patient.
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
Detecting potential pathogens on hospital surfaces: An assessment of carpet tile flooring in the hospital patient environment
2010
Indoor and Built Environment
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 19
Pages 239-249
Author(s): Harris, D. D., Pacheco, A., Lindner, A. S.
Several studies demonstrate a connection between the hospital environment and hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). The bacterial pathogens more frequently associated with HAIs include Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).
Added September 2014
The antimicrobial efficacy of copper alloy furnishing in the clinical environment: a crossover study
2012
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 33
Pages 3-9
Author(s): Karpanen, T. J., Casey, A. L., Lambert, P. A., Cookson, B. D., Nightingale, P., Miruszenko, L., Elliott, T. S.
Environmental hygiene has been regarded as one of the key areas in the prevention of HCAIs (healthcare associated infections) in hospital and acute care settings. Copper and its alloys have recently been considered for use in the healthcare environment as an antimicrobial surface material, and in 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the registration of copper and its alloys as antimicrobial materials. The main aim of this study was to determine whether copper incorporated into hospital ward furnishings and equipment can reduce their surface microbial load.
Added September 2014
Implementation of innovative pulsed xenon ultraviolet (PX-UV) environmental cleaning in an acute care hospital
2014
Journal of Risk Management and Healthcare Policy
Journal Article
Author(s): Fornwalt, L., Riddell, B.
Cleaning of the hospital environment is considered crucial to the prevention of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and overall patient safety. The authors note that many European and American hospitals use new technologies like ultraviolet (UV) light and hydrogen peroxide vapor to clean their facilities, and that these have been effective in reducing the HAI rates.
Added September 2014
Promoting walking among older adults living in retirement communities
2012
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 20
Pages 379-394
Author(s): Rosenberg, D. E., Kerr, J., Sallis, J. F., Norman, G. J., Calfas, K., Patrick, K.
The authors tested the feasibility and acceptability, and explored the outcomes, of 2 walking interventions based on ecological models among older adults living in retirement communities. An enhanced intervention (El) was compared with a standard walking intervention (SI) among residents in 4 retirement facilities (N = 87 at baseline; mean age = 84.1 yr). All participants received a walking...
Added September 2014
Radical Redesign of Nursing Homes: Applying the Green House Concept in Tupelo, Mississippi
2006
The Gerontologist
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 46
Pages 533-539
Author(s): Rabig, J., Thomas, W., Kane, R. A., Cutler, L. J., McAlilly, S.
The Green House design should be considered as nursing home resident numbers are growing. Early experiences with the “pod-like” structure show positive effects on residents, families, and staff.
Added September 2014
Long-Term Efficacy of an Ergonomics Program That Includes Patient-Handling Devices on Reducing Musculoskeletal Injuries to Nursing Personnel
2012
Human Factors
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 54
Pages 608-625
Author(s): Garg, A., Kapellusch, J. M.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, according to the authors, reports that nursing staff face musculoskeletal injuries (MSDs) in all types of healthcare facilities. Nurse aides (NAs) in particular have the highest rate of staying away from work because of these injuries.
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
