Is it possible to feel at home in a patient room in an intensive care unit? Reflections on environmental aspects in technology-dense environments
Journal article, 2019

This paper focuses on the patient's perspective and the philosophical underpinnings that support what might be considered optimal for the future design of the intensive care unit (ICU) patient room. It also addresses the question of whether the aspects that support at-homeness are applicable to ICU patient rooms. The concept of “at-homeness” in ICUs is strongly related to privacy and control of space and territory. This study investigates whether the sense of at-homeness can be created in an ICU, when one or more patients share a room. From an interdisciplinary perspective, we critically reflect on various aspects associated with conflicts surrounding the use of ICU patient rooms. Thus, from an architectural and a caring perspective, the significance of space and personal territory in ICU patient rooms is emphasized. Recommendations for further research are suggested. In conclusion, privacy and control are deemed to be essential factors in the stimulation of recovery processes and the promotion of well-being in situations involving severe illness or life-threatening conditions.

control

at-homeness

patient room

space and place

ICU

work environment

Author

Morgan Andersson

Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Building Design

Isabell Fridh

University of Borås

Berit Lindahl

University of Borås

Nursing Inquiry

1320-7881 (ISSN) 1440-1800 (eISSN)

Vol. 26 4 e12301

Subject Categories

Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy

Medical Ethics

Nursing

DOI

10.1111/nin.12301

PubMed

31273900

More information

Latest update

10/29/2019