Job Satisfaction and Intention to Quit Among Nursing Home Nursing Staff: Do Special Care Units Make a Difference?
2007
Journal of Applied Gerontology
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 26
Pages 95-112
Author(s): Robison, J., Pillemer, K.
Research regarding the impact of special care units (SCUs) on the experience of staff provides a somewhat inconsistent picture. Several studies have examined the effect on staff of working in a facility that has an SCU without including a comparison with staff who work on conventional units. These studies have found generally positive results, including lower turnover among nurses. Despite the promise of SCUs, the degree to which they differ in important outcomes from conventional nursing home care has not been firmly established. Some comparative studies have found no clear differences in resident outcomes for SCUs.
Added November 2014
A plasma display window? – the shifting baseline problem in a technologically mediated natural world
2009
Journal of Environmental Psychology
Journal Article
Author(s): Kahn, P. H. Jr., Friedman, B., Brian Gill, Hagman, J., Severson, R. L., Freier, N. G., Feldman, E. N., Carrere, S., Stolyar, A.
The general purpose of this study is to test the physical and psychological effects of experiencing nature through a technology medium. Past research has shown that contact with nature can lead to “enjoyment, satisfaction, and increased levels of satisfaction with one’s home, one’s job, and with life in general” (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989, p. 173). So in an fast-changing world of technology-mediated healthcare, the question posed in this study revolves around whether simulated nature scenes can elicit the same health benefits that real nature has shown to produce.
Added November 2014
Impact of place of residence on relationship between quality of life and cognitive decline in dementia.
2009
Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 23
Pages 395-400
Author(s): Missotten, P., Thomas, P., Squelard, G., Di Notte, D., Fontaine, O., Paquay, L., Ylieff, M.
In patients with dementia and their family members and caregivers, quality of life (QOL) is an important parameter; much attention is given to its improvement. However, the theory of improved QOL at home compared with that at institutional residences for dementia patients has not been tested by a comparison of two groups of people according to their place of residence. Furthermore, there are few studies of populations of people with dementia, living at home or in an institution, distributed across all different stages of cognitive decline.
Added November 2014
Can flooring and underlay materials reduce hip fractures in older people?
2004
Nursing Older People
Journal Article
Issue 5
Volume 16
Pages 16-20
Author(s): Minns, J.
Falls resulting in fracture of the hip in older people are a major health problem worldwide. Flooring that is slippery and unsuitable footwear are other major factors contributing to the onset of fractures in the home. Building design should incorporate measures to minimize the risk of falls.
Added November 2014
Sustained reduction in serious fall-related injuries in older people in hospital.
2006
The Medical journal of Australia
Journal Article
Issue 8
Volume 184
Pages 379-382
Author(s): Fonda, D., Cook, J., Sandler, V., Bailey, M.
Falls are the leading cause of injury in Australian hospitals, with 38 percent of all hospital incidents related to falls. In hospital settings, single interventions have not been proven successful in preventing or reducing falls, whereas multisystem or multi-strategy approaches have shown to be more effective.
Added November 2014
Healthcare providers' perception of design factors related to physical environments in hospitals
2012
Journal of Environmental Psychology
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 32
Pages 362-370
Author(s): Mourshed, M., Zhao, Y.
Most aspects of the physical environment having an impact on staff outcome are determined during early design stages of a building’s lifecycle. Subsequent modifications at later stages are expensive and sometimes difficult to achieve due to the multidisciplinary nature of design decision making.
Added November 2014
Emergency medical equipment storage: Benefits of visual cues tested in field and simulated settings
2014
Human Factors
Journal Article
Issue 5
Volume 56
Pages 958-972
Author(s): Grundgeiger, T., Harris, B., Ford, N., Abbey, M., Sanderson, P. M., Venkatesh, B.
Ready availability and easy accessibility of equipment and supplies are important in intensive care units (ICUs) to be prepared for emergent situations. Bedside drawers are where all emergency items are stored for imminent use.
Added November 2014
Return on investment of a LEED platinum hospital: the influence of healthcare facility environments on healthcare employees and organizational effectiveness
2014
Journal of Hospital Administration
Journal Article
Author(s): Harris, D. D.
The author mentions that there is increasing evidence that indicates the connection between facility design and staff satisfaction. In comparison, there are few rigorous studies that examine the impact of sustainable building design and outcomes pertaining to patients, staff, and organizational goals.
Added November 2014
A controlled evaluation of comprehensive geriatric assessment in the emergency department: the ‘Emergency Frailty Unit’
2013
Age and Ageing
Journal Article
Author(s): Conroy, S. P., Ansari, K., Williams, M., Laithwaite, E., Teasdale, B., Dawson, J., Mason, S., Banerjee, J.
Referring to data from emergency departments (EDs) in England, the authors infer that as the number of elderly grow, so does their number attending emergency departments. The data also shows that almost 62% of seniors (80 years and over) visiting EDs in England are transferred to hospitals for further treatment. Literature indicates that such transfers result in increased use of resources, higher risk of adverse events, longer stays, and higher rates of readmission and use of long-term facilities.
Added November 2014
Patients' experience of important factors in the healthcare environment in oncology care
2013
International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being
Journal Article
Author(s): Browall, M., Koinberg, I., Falk, H., Wijk, H.
Psychological stress can be caused by the healthcare system and especially for patients with cancer in oncology clinics. How patients perceive their healthcare environment was found to have an impact on their well-being.
Added November 2014
Study of relative color stability and corrosion resistance of commercial copper alloys exposed to hand contact and synthetic hand sweat
2013
Corrosion Science
Journal Article
Author(s): Fredj, N., Kolar, J. S., Prichard, D. M., Burleigh, T. D.
The authors acknowledge that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes more than 300 copper alloys to have antibacterial properties. They refer to different studies that have demonstrated substantial decreases in bacterial and fungal colonies on various hospital surfaces that are made of copper alloys versus plastic and stainless steel.
Added November 2014
Moderating role of interior amenities on hospital medical directors' patient-related work stresses
2013
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 6
Pages 77-92
Author(s): Lin, B. Y.-J., Lin, Y.-K., Juan, C. W., Lee, S., Lin, C.C.
Prior research has shown that senior physicians with management positions report lower self-rated health due to the high stress associated with their jobs. Research has looked to assess how the built environment can support stress management and promote wellness for patients within healthcare facilities.
Added September 2014
The Effect of Garden Designs on Mood and Heart Output in Older Adults Residing in an Assisted Living Facility
2013
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 6
Pages 27-42
Author(s): Goto, S., Park, B.-J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Herrup, K., Miyazaki, Y.
This research focuses on the impact that different garden designs have on people's mood and heart rate in a retirement community setting. The researchers had previously piloted a study focusing on elderly participants' aesthetic preferences for garden designs; they wanted to move beyond this to better understand where these preferences come from, and whether they are actually somehow hardwired in the brain from more innate psychological and biological responses, rather than cultural or learned.
Added September 2014
The Environment of Inpatient Healthcare Delivery and Its Influence on the Outcome of Care
2012
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 6
Pages 104-116
Author(s): O'Connor, M., O'Brien, A., Bloomer, M., Morphett, J., Peters, L., Hall, H., Parry, A., Recoche, K., Lee, S., Munro, I.
There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that in all healthcare settings, the design of discipline-specific space can influence patients and their health outcomes. The contribution of the physical environment to quality of life and well-being is also supported. Healthcare delivery has changed over the last three decades; however, the authors note that some ICUs and emergency departments have not fully adapted to these changes, whereas palliative care and women’s health have adapted to include more family involvement and patient-driven changes. Environments such as labor and delivery units have benefitted from active consumer involvement in design.
Added September 2014
Effects of Nursing Unit Spatial Layout on Nursing Team Communication Patterns, Quality of Care, and Patient Safety
2012
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 6
Pages 8-38
Author(s): Hua, Y., Becker, F., Wurmser, T., Bliss-Holtz, J., Hedges, C.
A number of studies have looked at the impact of different types of healthcare staff communication on patient outcomes, as communication and collaboration are crucial for patient care. One topic that is starting to be studied but requires more research is the effect of nursing unit layout and design on nurse communication. While traditionally nursing units have a centralized layout with one main nursing station used by all staff in the unit, more recently there has been movement toward other types of layouts in an attempt to impact patient care.
Added September 2014
Promoting walking among older adults living in retirement communities
2012
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 20
Pages 379-394
Author(s): Rosenberg, D. E., Kerr, J., Sallis, J. F., Norman, G. J., Calfas, K., Patrick, K.
The authors tested the feasibility and acceptability, and explored the outcomes, of 2 walking interventions based on ecological models among older adults living in retirement communities. An enhanced intervention (El) was compared with a standard walking intervention (SI) among residents in 4 retirement facilities (N = 87 at baseline; mean age = 84.1 yr). All participants received a walking...
Added September 2014
Influence of an Outdoor Garden on Mood and Stress in Older Persons
2002
Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture
Journal Article
Author(s): Rodiek, S. D.
Research conducted in healthcare settings shows that the presence of plants and natural environments in healthcare environments has a positive impact on patient outcome. The value of nature and gardening to the older adult is also reported in literature.
Added September 2014
Quality of life and building design in residential and nursing homes for older people
2004
Ageing and Society
Journal Article
Issue 6
Volume 24
Pages 941-962
Author(s): Parker, C., Barnes, S., McKee, K., Morgan, K., Torrington, J., Tregenza, P.
Older people living in residential and nursing care homes spend a large proportion of their time within the boundaries of the home, and may depend on the environment to compensate for their physical or cognitive frailties. Regulations and guidelines on the design of care buildings have accumulated over time with little knowledge of their impact on the quality of life of building users. The Design...
Added September 2014
Person-Environment Fit and Functioning Among Older Adults in a Long-Term Care Setting
2011
Geriatric Nursing
Journal Article
Issue 5
Volume 32
Pages 368-378
Author(s): Pomeroy, S. H., Scherer, Y., Runkawatt, V., Iamsumang, W., Lindemann, J., Resnick, B.
Research conducted in different nursing homes (NHs) shows that the main focus of care in nursing homes is to meet the physical and medical care needs of residents with emphasis on basic care such as bathing, dressing, medication administration, nutrition, providing wound care, and other types of medically driven procedures, not on maximizing the function and time spent in physical activity.
Added September 2014
Flexibility: Beyond the Buzzword—Practical Findings from a Systematic Literature Beview
2011
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 4
Pages 89-108
Author(s): Carthey, J., Chow, V., Jung, Y. M., Mills, S.
While many healthcare facilities claim to have incorporated flexibility and adaptability into their new design, few have documented the outcomes of such claims. In reality, many healthcare facilities are outdated before they are built and fully occupied. These facilities then require extensive renovation and replacement during their life cycle to respond to changing demands of demographics, technology, and care delivery models.
Added September 2014
