Visitor’s Experiences of an Evidence-Based Designed Healthcare Environment in an Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the research was to study the visitors’ experiences of different healthcare environment designs of intensive care unit (ICU) patient rooms. Background: The healthcare environment may seem frightening and overwhelming in times when life-threatening conditions affect a family member or close friend and individuals visit the patient in an ICU. A two-bed patient room was refurbished to enhance the well-being of patients and their families according to the principles of evidence-based design (EBD). No prior research has used the Person-centred Climate Questionnaire—Family version (PCQ-F) or the semantic environment description (SMB) in the ICU setting. Methods: A sample of 99 visitors to critically ill patients admitted to a multidisciplinary ICU completed a questionnaire; 69 visited one of the two control rooms, while 30 visited the intervention room. Results: For the dimension of everydayness in the PCQ-F, a significantly better experience was expressed for the intervention room ( p < .030); the dimension regarding the ward climate general was also perceived as higher in the intervention room ( p < .004). The factors of pleasantness ( p < .019), and complexity ( p < 0.049), showed significant differences favoring the intervention room in the SMB, with borderline significance on the modern factor ( p < .061). Conclusion: Designing and implementing an enriched healthcare environment in the ICU setting increases person-centered care in relation to the patients’ visitors. This could lead to better outcomes for the visitors, for example, decreasing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, but this needs further investigations.

The Built Environment Influence on Resilient Healthcare: A Systematic Literature Review of Design Knowledge

“…The “typical hospital” atmosphere is highly disliked by vulnerable patients (Jellema et al, 2020). Thus, BE attributes that provide visual impact for users are sources of positive distractions (e.g., colors, exterior views) that help to mitigate boredom, anxiety, fear, and even pain (France et al, 2009; Sundberg et al, 2020b). These distractions are related to wayfinding as they: ( i ) imply distinctive, and sometimes unique characteristics (e.g., artwork); and ( ii ) improve the patient health condition (France et al, 2009).…”

“…A practical example is the provision of maps or signalized pathways in corridors and public spaces to allow easily navigable interfaces between expansions built over time (Prugsiganont & Jensen, 2019). To “include positive distractions in the BE” is a prescription mentioned by ten papers (Sundberg et al, 2020b). The “typical hospital” atmosphere is highly disliked by vulnerable patients (Jellema et al, 2020).…”

“…Indeed, the BE is known for affecting the safety and well-being of patients and caregivers (Zhang et al, 2019). There is also evidence that the clinical outcomes of patients might benefit from a supportive BE, which can involve, for example, views of external areas like gardens and natural lighting (Sundberg et al, 2020b). The corresponding BE knowledge-base has evolved under the umbrella of evidence-based design (EBD), which guides the stakeholders involved in the design of healthcare facilities (Ulrich et al, 2008; van Hoof et al, 2015; Zhang et al, 2019).…”

Systematized and efficient: organization of critical care in the future

“…The rooms will simulate home environments, with their décor, furnishings and natural light to minimize delirium and using windows to reveal or simulate a healing natural scene or garden [ 7 , 8 ]. Noise will be kept at bedroom level and exposure to daylight will preserve the diurnal rhythm and prevent delirium [ 9 ].…”

Qualitative Observational Research in the Intensive Care Setting: A Personal Reflection on Navigating Ethical and Methodological Issues

“… 18 , 19 One room in a Swedish hospital ICU was transformed using this approach combined with an additional design goal of sustainability and a desire to create a home-like milieu. 20 At the same time, it was important that the design did not compromise safety, function, and followed national guidelines for an ICU patient room. 21 Interior colorings, textiles, and furniture were chosen according to the “green list” and to be in soft pastel colors.…”