Acuity-adaptable patient room from the patient’s perspective
2017
Journal of Nursing Education and Practice
Journal Article
Issue 5
Volume 8
Pages 38
Author(s): Bonuel, Nena
It has been shown by several studies that acuity-adaptable rooms have a positive effect on patients’ satisfaction and health outcomes. These rooms can adapt to the patient’s changing condition at any acuity level, eliminating the need for transfer during the entire hospital stay.
Added April 2018
The Influence of Traffic, Area Location, and Other Factors on Operating Room Microbial Load
2018
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 39
Pages 391-397
Author(s): Taaffe, K., Lee, B., Ferrand, Y., Fredendall, L., San, D., Salgado, C., Shvorin, D., Khoshkenar, A., Reeves, S., Realizing Improved Patient Care through Human-Centered Design in the Operating Room (RIPCHD OR) Study Group
Traffic movement in hospitals causes disturbances and helps spread microbiota. Operating rooms (OR) can have surgical site infections (SSI) that are dangerous and can result in complications for patients.
Added April 2018
Environmental Correlates of Safety and Efficiency in Emergency Departments
Author(s): Pati, D., Harvey, T. E., Vincent, D., Evans, J., Pati, S., Bazuin, D., Derr, M. A.
Whether from professional or governmental institutions or from the popular press, stories abound of the challenges EDs (emergency departments) face (Berger, 2006). Every day, EDs have to treat an ever-rising number of patients coming through their doors, many of whom have highly complex conditions.
Added April 2018
Analysis of Departmental Area in Contemporary Hospitals: Calculation Methodologies & Design Factors in Major Patient Care Departments
Author(s): Allison, D., Hamilton, D. K.
Ratios used to calculate proposed departmental gross square footage constitute key information used in the process of programming, planning, and design. The ratio of net [usable] square footage to departmental gross square footage is commonly called the “net-to-gross ratio.” It is used by programmers, planners, and consultants to project the total area of proposed departments based on programmed net square feet required to perform the proposed workload of the department.
Added April 2018
Effects of Impact-Absorbing Flooring in Residential Care from the Perspectives of Enrolled Nurses
2017
Journal of Housing For the Elderly
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 31
Pages 367-381
Author(s): Gustavsson, J., Rahm, G., Jernbro, C., Nilson, F.
Despite the fact that patient falls happen on a daily basis, there are few effective solutions for reducing fall-related injuries.
Added April 2018
The Seniors' Outdoor Survey (SOS Tool): A Proposed Weighting and Scoring Framework to Assess Outdoor Environments in Residential Care Settings
2018
Journal of Housing For the Elderly
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 32
Pages 99-120
Author(s): Bardenhagen, E., Rodiek, S., Nejati, A., Lee, C.
As the numbers of elderly patients seeking professional care increase demands on many different healthcare facilities, healthcare professionals continue to pursue advances in both pharmacological and non-pharmacological tools to help improve patient recovery and overall quality of life. Access to outdoor spaces, especially within medical care contexts, has been shown to promote considerable improvements in patient recovery and overall experience. In the case of elderly patient populations who may be living or seeking extended treatment within healthcare environments, consideration of patient preferences and intended uses of such outdoor spaces is of high importance.
Added April 2018
Can a Virtual Nature Experience Reduce Anxiety and Agitation in People With Dementia?
2018
Journal of Housing For the Elderly
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 32
Pages 176-193
Author(s): Reynolds, L., Rodiek, S., Lininger, M., McCulley, A.
By 2050, the numbers of individuals in the United States with dementia is projected to be 16 million, with a current cost of care at $259 billion. The majority of individuals with dementia experience stressful emotions of agitation and anxiety, along with associated behaviors, that are challenging for their caregivers.
Added April 2018
Does the design of settings where acute care is delivered meet the needs of older people? Perspectives of patients, family carers, and staff
2018
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 11
Pages 177-188
Author(s): Haywood, A., Barnes, S., Marsh, H., Parker, S. G.
Acute care for older patients has special requirements but is seldom addressed in relation to the architecture of the facility. Improving the physical environment could result in better health outcomes for a growing number of patients.
Added April 2018
Top Five Physical Design Factors Contributing to Fall Initiation
2018
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 11
Pages 50-64
Author(s): Pati, D., Lee, J., Mihandoust, S., Kazem-Zadeh, M., Oh, Y.
Falls in older patients are dangerous and are of major concern for healthcare professionals. Several studies were done on the associated causes of the falls but few have addressed the impact of the physical environment.
Added April 2018
Guidelines for the design of a healing garden for the rehabilitation of psychiatric patients
2015
Journal of Agricultural Engineering
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 46
Pages 43-51
Author(s): Erbino, C., Toccolini, A., Vagge, I., Ferrario, P. S.
Healing gardens can be defined as plant-populated areas designed to support and improve patient health and well-being. Previous studies have indicated that healing gardens are effective tools for improving physical and mental health in patients, families, and staff, ultimately leading to reduced care costs and general quality of life.
Added March 2018
Through the Eyes of the User: Evaluating Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Design
2018
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 11
Pages 49-65
Author(s): Denham, M. E., Bushehri, Y., Lim, Lisa
Premature babies require special care in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). This could take on average 80 days and would include the presence of the mother for proper infant development.
Added March 2018
“Everything Happens in the Hallways”: Exploring User Activity in the Corridors at Two Rehabilitation Units
2017
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 11
Pages 163-176
Author(s): Colley, J., Zeeman, H., Kendall, E.
This research study focused on recording activities occurring in corridors of a Spinal Cord Injury Unit and a Brain Injury Unit and how the design of the corridor influences the activities affecting patients and staff experience. The study results focused on three factors: mobility/movement, delivery of care and experience of that care, and finally “spillover space” activities (activities occurring in the corridor other than mobility/movement).
Added February 2018
Psychosocially Supportive Design: The Case for Greater Attention to Social Space Within the Pediatric Hospital
2017
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 11
Pages 151-162
Author(s): McLaughlan, R.
While patient and family-centered care models often implement environmental designs that cater to certain psychosocial needs, more research is required to understand exactly how aspects of the built environment actually affect patient and family psychosocial needs themselves
Added February 2018
Safety, Performance, and Satisfaction Outcomes in the Operating Room: A Literature Review
2018
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 11
Pages 137-150
Author(s): Joseph, A., Bayramzadeh, S., Zamani, Z., Rostenberg, B.
There are many operating rooms (ORs) constructed more than 30 years ago that remain operational today, and many of these spaces are inadequately designed to withstand the processes, equipment, and people needed for contemporary OR procedures. Even in developed countries, patients undergoing inpatient surgeries experience major complications 3-22% of the time.
Added February 2018
Deposition of Bacteria and Bacterial Spores by Bathroom Hot Air Hand Dryers
2018
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Journal Article
Issue 8
Volume 84
Pages 1-11
Author(s): del Carmen Huesca-Espitia, L., Aslanzadeh, J., Feinn, R., Joseph, G., Murray, T. S., Setlow, P.
Human skin is covered in both pathogenic and non-pathogenic flora, which can be transmitted from surface to surface in a way that may or may not be associated with nosocomial infection. The transmission of microorganisms within healthcare environments presents the possibility of nosocomial infection, especially in the cases of Staphylococcus aureus, enterocci, Pseudomonas spp, Klebsiella spp, and Acinetobacter spp.
Added February 2018
The Role of Environmental Design in Cancer Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Survivorship: A Systematic Literature Review
2018
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 11
Pages 18–32
Author(s): Gharaveis, A., Kazem-Zadeh, M.
Approximately 1.6 million new cancer cases are diagnosed annually in the United States. New techniques for treating cancer are constantly being developed, with many healthcare professionals and designers turning towards more patient-centered services and designs to achieve better patient outcomes.
Added February 2018
The Impact of Operating Room Layout on Circulating Nurse’s Work Patterns and Flow Disruptions: A Behavioral Mapping Study
2018
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 11
Pages 124–138
Author(s): Bayramzadeh, S., Joseph, A., San, D., Khoshkenar, Amin, Taaffe, K., Jafarifiroozabadi, R., Neyens, D. M.
While there are studies focused on the effect that architectural layout, space planning, and adjacencies have on workflow patterns at the unit level, there are few studies at the micro level of individual procedure rooms or surgical suites. The layout of the OR and the placement of equipment may contribute to extraneous and unnecessary movement or create barriers to safety and efficiency, resulting in surgical workflow disruption (SFDs).
Added February 2018
Do Carpets Impair Indoor Air Quality and Cause Adverse Health Outcomes: A Review
2018
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 15
Pages 184
Author(s): Becher, R., Øvrevik, J., Schwarze, P. E., Nilsen, S., Hongslo, J. K., Bakke, J. V.
Previous studies have found that carpets are capable of collecting more dust and allergens than non-carpeted surfaces, highlighting further studies that suggest that the presence of carpets can worsen indoor air quality and certain respiratory conditions.
Added February 2018
From Research to Application: Supportive and Therapeutic Environments for People Living With Dementia
2018
The Gerontologist
Journal Article
Issue suppl_1
Volume 58
Pages S114-S128
Author(s): Calkins, M. P.
Over the past years, design of environments for individuals living with dementia has evolved tremendously. Though each of these evolving models of care provided overlapping design-related concepts and recommendations, the lack of a consolidated therapeutic framework focusing on person-centered values for designing dementia-friendly communities was felt
Added January 2018
Workplace design for the Australian residential aged care workforce
2018
Australasian Journal on Ageing
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 37
Pages 194-201
Author(s): Naccarella, L., Newton, C., Pert, A., Seemann, K., Williams, R., Sellick, K., Dow, B.
This study explored the impact of the workplace physical environment on staff in a residential aged care (RAC) facility in Australia. There is a current and projected shortage of RAC workers in Australia. Historically, research has focused on traditional methods to support the RAC workforce, including staff recruitment, staff wages, funding training, career creation, regulations, work design, staff conditions, staff retention, workforce planning, and new models of care. This study sought to determine the impact of workplace design features on staff.
Added January 2018
