Bright Light Delights: Effects of Daily Light Exposure on Emotions, Restactivity Cycles, Sleep and Melatonin Secretion in Severely Demented Patients
2017
Current Alzheimer Research
Journal Article
Issue 10
Volume 14
Pages 1063-1075
Author(s): Münch, M., Schmieder, M., Bieler, K., Goldbach, R., Fuhrmann, T., Zumstein, N., Vonmoos, P., Scartezzini, J.-L., Wirz-Justice, A., Cajochen, C.
Exposure to sufficient light on a daily basis is important for individuals to maintain their health. Studies have shown that light has an effect on heart rate, body temperature, human behavior, mood, body hormones, genes, and cognitive ability.
Added November 2017
The Influence of the Physical Environment on Residents With Dementia in Long-Term Care Settings: A Review of the Empirical Literature
2017
The Gerontologist
Journal Article
Author(s): Chaudhury, H., Cooke, H. A., Cowie, H., Razaghi, L.
Several studies have shown that properly designed interior spaces have a positive effect on residents with dementia in long-term care facilities. Wayfinding and orientation can be enhanced through good planning of the facility as well as activities of daily living and autonomy.
Added November 2017
The effects of spectral tuning of evening ambient light on melatonin suppression, alertness and sleep
2017
Physiology & Behavior
Journal Article
Author(s): Rahman, S. A., St Hilaire, M. A., Lockley, S. W.
Added November 2017
Night-time activity forecast by season and weather in a longitudinal design - natural light effects on three years' rest-activity cycles in nursing home residents with dementia
2017
International Psychogeriatrics
Journal Article
Issue 12
Volume 29
Pages 2071-2080
Author(s): Wahnschaffe, A., Nowozin, C., Rath, A., Floessner, T., Appelhoff, S., Münch, M., Kunz, D.
Elderly nursing home residents with dementia suffer from night-time agitation due to the lack of adequate exposure to natural light. Short winter days and overcast skies have a strong effect on circadian rhythm and motor activities.
Added November 2017
Implementation of Dynamic Lighting in a Nursing Home: Impact on Agitation but not on Rest-Activity Patterns
2017
Current Alzheimer Research
Journal Article
Issue 10
Volume 14
Pages 1076-1083
Author(s): Wahnschaffe, A., Nowozin, C., Haedel, S., Rath, A., Appelhof, S., Münch, M., Kunz, D.
A common issue within different subtypes of dementia is nighttime agitation, which often manifests as confusion, aggressive behavior, aimless movement, and general disruption of sleep cycles. Nighttime agitation is the most common cause for nursing home admission, and many medical treatments for the condition only target specific symptoms, sometimes resulting in unwanted side effects for patients.
Added November 2017
The effects of the indoor environment of residential care homes on dementia suffers in Hong Kong: A critical incident technique approach
2014
Building and Environment
Journal Article
Issue Supplement C
Volume 73
Pages 32-39
Author(s): Wong, J. K.-W., Skitmore, M., Buys, L., Wang, K.
The authors introduce their paper pointing to the increase, globally, in the number of individuals affected with dementia, and a growing need to improve the quality of life of such individuals. The behavioral and psychological challenges associated with this syndrome often necessitates the referral of the patient to be placed in residential care homes. Literature indicates that the physical environments of facilities designed for dementia patients impact their well-being and quality of life. However, there are few studies addressing all such indoor environmental (IE) factors potentially affecting the behavior of the residents of these facilities. This paper reports findings from research conducted in six residential care homes (RCH) in Hong Kong studying the impact of IE factors on the behavior of dementia residents. The study found lighting, acoustic, and thermal environments to be the main IE factors that impact the behavior of dementia patients.
Added October 2017
Exploring staff perceptions on the role of physical environment in dementia care setting
2016
Dementia
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 15
Pages 743-755
Author(s): Lee, S. Y., Chaudhury, H., Hung, L.
Person-centered care is spreading into environments for the elderly population, particularly those with dementia. It is a philosophy of care recognizing that each person has an equal right to dignity, respect, and to participate in their environment (Alzheimer Society of Canada, 2011; Brooker & Surr, 2005). Recently, attention in the literature has been paid to studying the impact the built...
Added October 2017
Impact of Multisensory Environments on Behavior for People With Dementia: A Systematic Literature Review
2017
The Gerontologist
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 58
Pages e168-e179
Author(s): Lorusso, L. N., Bosch, S. J.
Added September 2017
A comparative study of patients’ activities and interactions in a stroke unit before and after reconstruction—The significance of the built environment
2017
PLOS ONE
Journal Article
Issue 7
Volume 12
Pages e0177477
Author(s): Anåker, A., von Koch, L., Sjöstrand, C., Bernhardt, J., Elf, M.
Several previous studies have shown that effective care in a stroke unit requires early rehabilitation and mobilization among patients, as well as the presence of multidisciplinary stroke experts and comprehensive therapies. Though the concept of evidence-based design have been applied to a wide variety of specific medical environments and situations, its application to the physical environment surrounding patients who are recovering from strokes requires further investigation.
Added September 2017
Evaluation of hospital outdoor spaces through users’ participation analysis
2017
Facta Universitatis, Series: Architecture and Civil Engineering
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 15
Pages 73-84
Author(s): Djukanovic, Z., Maric, J., Giofrè, F.
Hospital outdoor spaces (HOS) have an important role in healthcare facilities that specifically impacts the healing process. Literature reviewed by the authors refers to HOS as left-over spaces for supporting other medical activities.
Added August 2017
Towards Healing Environment for the Inpatient Unit in Psychiatric Hospital
Author(s): Ramadan, M. G.
Previous research shows that physical designs within healthcare environments play a key role in promoting patient well-being. The design of a given healthcare facility directly affects the efficiency with which care is delivered, as well as affecting the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of its staff members.
Added June 2017
Field Observations into the Environmental Soul: Spatial Configuration and Social Life for People Experiencing Dementia
2015
American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 30
Pages 209-218
Author(s): Ferdous, F., Moore, K. D.
Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) serving people with dementia are often designed with visiting family members or friends in mind rather than the needs of the patients themselves. The authors suggest that architectural designs within LTCFs should be considered from the perspective of the patients occupying these environments.
Added June 2017
Environmental audits and process flow mapping to assess management of solid waste and wastewater from a healthcare facility: an Italian case study
2017
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Journal Article
Issue 5
Volume 189
Pages 239
Author(s): Vaccari, M., Montasser, W., Tudor, T., Leone, L.
Despite the growing number of policies and legislative drivers aiming for more sustainable resource management approaches and general environmental improvements, there is still a need for more research focusing on the improvement of waste and wastewater management.
Added June 2017
Noise Reduction in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Initiative
2017
American Journal of Medical Quality
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 33
Pages 177-184
Author(s): Ahamed, M. F., Campbell, D., Horan, S., Rosen, O.
Elevated noise levels are regularly associated with adverse health effects among patients within healthcare environments. Infants are particularly vulnerable to elevated noise levels due to the immaturity of their auditory pathways, implying that neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) have an even greater responsibility for reducing noise levels.
Added June 2017
Nursing staff’s experiences of working in an evidence-based designed ICU patient room—An interview study
2017
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing
Journal Article
Author(s): Sundberg, F., Olausson, S., Fridh, I., Lindahl, B.
Intensive care unit nurses use technology and systems that may not have existed when their nursing units were constructed. Nurses often must work around machines and in narrow spaces to deliver complex care to critically ill patients.
Added June 2017
Designing Team Rooms for Collaboration In The Outpatient Clinics
Author(s): DuBose, J., Lim, L., Westlake, R.
Healthcare systems in the U.S. are gradually shifting from “episodic” care delivered in silos to more team-oriented and coordinated approaches. Ambulatory care environments in particular are adopting the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model, which is an integrated, team-based model designed to optimize treatment and management of patients.
Added April 2017
Mental and Behavioral Health Environments: Measurement of Building Performance
Author(s): Shepley, M. M., Watson, A., Pitts, F., Garrity, A., Spelman, E., Fronsman, A., Kelkar, J.
Added April 2017
Reducing hospital noise with sound acoustic panels and diffusion: a controlled study
2016
BMJ Quality & Safety
Journal Article
Issue 8
Volume 25
Pages 644
Author(s): Farrehi, P. M., Nallamothu, B. K., Navvab, M.
Ambient noise is a well-known source of stress in healthcare environments. Hospitals have employed methods such as shielding patients with closed doors, altering staff behaviors, and moving equipment, but these approaches can disrupt workflows and do not address the realities of sound generation within hospitals.
Added March 2017
Balancing the Human Touch with the Need for Integrating Technology in Ambulatory Surgical Environments: Barriers and Facilitators to Nursing Work and Care Team Interactions
2017
Journal of Interior Design
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 42
Pages 39-65
Author(s): Joseph, A., Wingler, D., Zamani, Z.
There is a lack of information to support the design of the rapidly growing number of ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). These centers have become more popular as trends in reimbursement, technology, and services have evolved. Research is needed to inform how the built environment of ambulatory surgical environments impacts the critical interactions between people, supplies, and equipment.
Added February 2017
Examining Relationships between Physical Environments and Behaviors of Residents with Dementia in a Retrofit Special Care Unit
2017
Journal of Interior Design
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 42
Pages 49-69
Author(s): Mobley, C., Leigh, K., Malinin, L.
Individuals with late-stage dementia often receive treatment in Specialized Care Units (SCUs) when other nursing home facilities can no longer support their socio-behavioral and physical needs. Generally, SCUs aim to maximize patient quality of life (QoL) by mitigating potential environmental stressors and improving the functional status of the patients themselves.
Added February 2017
