Acoustic assessment of speech privacy curtains in two nursing units
2016
Noise & Health
Journal Article
Issue 80
Volume 18
Pages 26-35
Author(s): Pope, D. S., Miller-Klein, E. T.
Hospitals are environments with complex soundscapes, and some elements of these soundscapes can impede upon patient health and overall communication. Numerous sources of noise from equipment, movement, and increased speaking volumes combine with high reverberation rates, resulting in the need to speak increasingly louder.
Added March 2017
Investigation of Eligible Picture Categories for Use as Environmental Cues in Dementia-Sensitive Environments
2016
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 10
Pages 64-73
Author(s): Motzek, T., Bueter, K., Marquardt, G.
Dementia often manifests in populations of elderly people who are admitted to acute care facilities. The disorienting nature of hospital environments can exacerbate the condition of dementia, leading to challenging behavior from patients that can affect staff, other patients, and the patients themselves. Previous studies have found that personalized labels and signs, such as photographic portraits of residents themselves, are effective environmental markers in long-term healthcare facilities.
Added December 2016
Surface Finish Materials: Considerations for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
2016
Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 16
Pages 203-207
Author(s): Harris, D.
In this literature review, it is shown that a growing body of research has been focusing on how surface material finishes within neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) can contribute to the operational, clinical, and social aspects of health outcomes.
Added September 2016
Ergonomical aspects of anaesthetic practice
2016
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia
Journal Article
Issue 5
Volume 60
Pages 306
Author(s): Raghavendra, R.S.
Anesthesiologists typically act as data analyzers, investigators, and planners for forthcoming surgical events, but only after patients and their families have been convinced that the procedure is appropriate. With the field of anesthesiology rapidly developing, it is imperative that workstations are optimized so that procedures can be conducted efficiently and safely. Ergonomics is defined as a discipline that explores and applies information regarding human characteristics, requirements, limitations, and abilities to the development, design, engineering, and testing of equipment, systems, and occupations.
Added June 2016
The design and initial evaluation of visual cues in carpets to assist walking
2016
The Journal of The Textile Institute
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 107
Pages 376-385
Author(s): McNeil, S. J., Tapp, L. S.
One way to reduce the occurrence of indoor falls for both elderly people and other individuals is to improve the design of floor coverings so that they can help create a safer walking environment. A growing number of studies are showing that the design of products such as carpets can specifically help older people lead more productive and independent lives by empowering them through safer opportunities for mobility.
Added May 2016