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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 - 20 of 312

The impact of sensory stimuli on healthcare workers and outcomes in trauma rooms: A focus group study

Author(s): Bayramzadeh, S., Ahmadpour, S.
Research demonstrates that excessive sensory stimuli in healthcare settings can negatively impact patient, staff, and organizational outcomes. Because emergency department (ED) trauma areas can be especially chaotic, understanding issues related to noise, lighting, and temperature is the first step toward addressing the problem.
Key Point Summary
Added December 2023

Improving transparent team communication with the ‘Glass Door’ decal communication tool: A mixed methods analysis of family and staff perspectives

Author(s): Zavalkoff, Samara, Mazaniello-Chezol, M., O'Donnell, S., Cunningham, K., Almazyad, M., O'Reilly, A., Macedo, K., Lammeree, K., Mitchell, E., Roussianos, C., Antonacci, M., Cunnigham, G., Park, M., Gottesman, R.
Added October 2023

How Visibility May Reduce Security Issues in Community Hospitals’ Emergency Departments

Author(s): Gharaveis, A., Hamilton, D. K., Pati, D., Shepley, M. M., Rodiek, S., McCall, D.
Research shows that many environmental factors have been employed to improve emergency department (ED) safety. Visibility as a design factor, an operational factor, and a layout characteristic can be leveraged to improve both safety and care efficiency.
Key Point Summary
Added August 2023

Improving Daily Patient Goal-Setting and Team Communication: The Liber8 Glass Door Project*

Author(s): Jones, I. G. R., Friedman, S., Vu, M., Awladthani, S., Watts, C., Simpson, A., Al-Farsi, A. A., Gupta, R., Cupido, C., Choong, K.
Added August 2023

Designing well-being: A qualitative investigation of young patients’ perspectives on the material hospital environment

Author(s): Payam, S., Hossaini, J., Zaschka, K., Friedmann, A., Mall, V.
Healthcare design research often includes user perspectives, but typically focuses on adult input. Young patients can provide useful insights into the remodel of pediatric facilities to better meet their unique needs. Environments tailored to a variety of developmental stages and physical abilities are more welcoming and engaging for young patients.
Key Point Summary
Added May 2023

Audiovisual recording in the inpatient setting: A method for studying parent–nurse communication

Author(s): Cash, E. K., Giambra, B. K.
Added May 2023

Associations of surgical team communication with the layout of physical space: A network analysis of the operating room in a military medical center

Author(s): Kabo, F. W., Stucky, C. H., De Jong, M. J.
Added April 2023

Potentially inadequate real-life speech levels by healthcare professionals during communication with older inpatients

Author(s): Stuck, A. K., Born, S., Stuck, A. E., Kompis, M.
Added April 2023

Effects of the physical environment on children and families in hospital-based emergency departments: A systematic literature review

Author(s): Gripko, M., Joseph, A., MohammadiGorji, S.
The emergency department (ED) environment is often a very stressful place, especially for young children and their families. Previous studies show that highly stimulating environments may increase anxiety. There are many complex relationships among the physical environment and healthcare outcomes in the emergency department, and themes in this study include control, positive distractions, family and social supports, and designing for a safe and comfortable experience.
Key Point Summary
Added February 2023

Aesthetics and dementia: exploring the role of everyday aesthetics in dementia care settings

Author(s): Fleetwood-Smith, R., Tischler, V., Robson, D.
Research shows that dementia, an umbrella term for diseases that affect the brain, is characterized as a condition that causes problems with memory, cognition, and function with activities of daily living. In the United Kingdom, approximately 70% of the population identifying with a form of dementia are residing in a care home environment.
Key Point Summary
Added January 2023

The psychological impact of the workplace environment in critical care A qualitative exploration

Author(s): Grailey, K., Leon-Villapalos, C., Murray, E., Brett, S. J.
Researchers acknowledge the intersection of cultural and environmental elements of intensive care units and resulting staff perceptions of those elements. Single patient rooms, varying levels of visibility, and workflow issues are just a few of the environmental conditions that have an impact on clinical staff.
Key Point Summary
Added January 2023

The impact of the healthcare environment on patient experience in the emergency department: A systematic review to understand the implications for patient-centered design

Author(s): Rowe, A, Knox, M.
Research shows that emergency departments (EDs) continue to be undersized, understaffed, and challenged with operational issues that cause decreased patient and provider satisfaction. The ED is at times the initial point of contact for a patient with the healthcare system and may be their first hospital experience
Key Point Summary
Added December 2022

Sound Control for Improved Outcomes in Healthcare Settings

Author(s): Joseph, A., Ulrich, R. S.
Added December 2022

Beyond co-location: Visual connections of staff workstations and staff communication in primary care clinics

Author(s): Lim, L., Kanfer, R., Stroebel, R. J., Zimring, C. M.
Added August 2022

An exploratory study testing environmental wayfinding aids as an intervention for children with autism

Author(s): Irish, J. E. N.
Previous research has found that some people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties navigating complex physical environments, such as hospitals. Previous research has also indicated that due to the hypersensitive nature of some people living with ASD, sensitive environmental designs may be especially important for them.
Key Point Summary
Added July 2022

The healthcare workspace: Understanding the role of decentralized nursing stations, corridors, and huddle spaces as locations for teamwork in a neonatal intensive care unit

Author(s): Fay, L., Real, K., Haynes, S.
Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) host fragile and vulnerable patients. Research studies on NICUs with a single-family room (SFR) layout demonstrate benefits to both neonates and their parents but the impact on staff remains unclear. The decentralization associated with SFRs may impair teamwork.
Key Point Summary
Added June 2022

Antibiotic-resistant organisms establish reservoirs in new hospital built environments and are related to patient blood infection isolates

Author(s): Sukhum, K. V., Newcomer, E. P., Cass, C., Wallace, M. A., Johnson, C., Fine, J., Sax, S., Barlet, M. H., Burnham, C.-A. D., Dantas, G., Kwon, J. H.
Added June 2022

Placing users at the center: Evaluating exam room design for improved user experience

Author(s): Matić, Z., Oh, Y., Lim, L., Zimring, C.
While outpatient exam rooms have remained largely unchanged for the past few decades, limited research suggests that design configurations can influence the quality of care. The relationship of the door, exam table, EHR, and sink can support patient privacy, patient-provider communication, and provider efficiency.
Key Point Summary
Added June 2022

The demand for specialization and its influence on the design of inpatient nursing units: Can standardized design be done once and for all?

Author(s): Xuan, X., Duan, X., Feng, Z.
Research shows that specialized units, such as psychiatry and intensive care, require built environments that are specific to their patient populations. Medical-surgical units within the same facility typically have similar physical layouts even though they often serve distinct patient populations.
Key Point Summary
Added April 2022

Clinic design for safety during the pandemic: Safety or teamwork, can we only pick one?

Author(s): Lim, L., Zimring, C. M., DuBose, J. R., Fischer, G. M., Stroebel, R.
Research shows that teamwork improves patient and staff outcomes, reduces medical errors, and enhances quality of care. Teams are more effective when team members work in close proximity, are visually connected, and cross paths throughout the work day, but these practices can be detrimental during a pandemic.
Key Point Summary
Added April 2022