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Knowledge Repository

A complete, user-friendly database of healthcare design research references MoreLess about the Knowledge Repository

The Knowledge Repository is a complete, user-friendly database of healthcare design research references that continues to grow with the latest peer-reviewed publications. Start with our Knowledge Repository for all of your searches for articles and research citations on healthcare design topics. Access full texts through the source link, read key point summaries, or watch slidecasts. Expand your search and find project briefs, interviews, and other relevant resources by visiting our Insights & Solutions page.

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17

Copper Surfaces Reduce the Rate of Healthcare-Acquired Infections in the Intensive Care Unit

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.
Key Point Summary
Added October 2016

Surface Finish Materials: Considerations for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

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.
Key Point Summary
Added September 2016

Impact of the Physical Environment of Residential Health, Care, and Support Facilities (RHCSF) on Staff and Residents A Systematic Review of the Literature

Author(s): Joseph, A., Choi, Y.-S., Quan, X.
Strategies related to the design of the built environment should be considered within the context of the culture of the organization and the resident population. This study of the physical environment of residential health, care, and support facilities addresses the range of settings and population, where other studies have been lacking. The literature review strongly suggests that the built environment is an important component of care provided in residential care settings.
Key Point Summary
Added May 2016

Hand-touch contact assessment of high-touch and mutual-touch surfaces among healthcare workers, patients, and visitors

Author(s): Cheng, V. C. C., Chau, P. H., Lee, W. M., Ho, S. K. Y., Lee, D. W. Y., So, S. Y. C., Wong, S. C. Y., Tai, J. W. M., Yuen, K. Y.
Added December 2015

Exploring Perceptions of Designers and Medical Staff in South Korea about Design Elements for the Elder-Friendly Hospital

Author(s): Kim, D., Lee, J. H., Ha, M.
The elderly population is growing around the world and so is the geriatric patient population. The authors indicate that despite the fact that the elderly will soon be the primary users of healthcare services, healthcare facilities are not designed for the elderly. In this study, designers and medical staff were asked to rate the importance of 33 design elements in the context of an elder-friendly hospital.
Key Point Summary
Added August 2015

Impact of the Design of Neonatal Intensive Care Units on Neonates, Staff, and Families: A Systematic Literature Review

Author(s): Shahheidari, M., Homer, C.
The authors indicate that the design of NICUs incorporating single family rooms as evidence indicates this room type contributes to the better development of babies, facilitates increased parental involvement in care, controls infection, and reduces noise and length of stay.
Key Point Summary
Added July 2015

P025: Norovirus inactivation on antimicrobial touch surfaces

Author(s): Keevil, B., Warnes, S.
Added November 2014

The antimicrobial efficacy of copper alloy furnishing in the clinical environment: a crossover study

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.
Key Point Summary
Added September 2014

Life Safety Code Comparison

Author(s): Crowley, M. A., Harper, J. E.
Added May 2014

Achieving EBD Goals Through Flooring Selection & Design

Author(s): Nanda, Upali, Malone, Eileen, Joseph, Anjali
Added April 2013

Designing for Patient Safety: Developing Methods to Integrate Patient Safety Concerns in the Design Process

Author(s): Joseph, A., Taylor, E. M. , Quan, X., Jelen, M.
Added October 2012

Making health care healthier: a prescription for change

Author(s): Wienhold, B.
Added October 2012

The healing environment in our communities and healthcare settings: research excellence into practice

Author(s): Craft, N.
Added October 2012

Strategies to reduce patient harm: understanding the role of design and the built environment

Author(s): Barach, P.
Added October 2012

Protected environments are discomforting and expensive and do not offer meaningful protection

Author(s): Armstrong, D.
Added October 2012

The Road Ahead: The Need to Clarify and Re-Conceptualize Healing Environments

Author(s): Kuo, N., Hui, C.
Added October 2012

Transforming care in children's hospitals through environmental design: Literature Review

Author(s): Joseph, A., Keller, A., Kronick, K.
Added October 2012