Den fysiska vårdmiljöns påverkan på vårdpersonal och patienter på operationssalar och intensivvårdsavdelningar

Licentiatavhandling, 2015

The high technology environment for health care is highly resource consuming in terms of economic investment, operating costs and human contributions. Therefore providing effective and efficient health care is of great importance. This licentiate thesis discusses the role of ar-chitectural design and its successful contribution to improved patient outcomes and health care professionals’ working conditions (Hamilton and McCuskey Shepley, 2009). Although many health care high technologies are available today they often cause negative side effects putting constraints on patients and staff (Hamilton and McCuskey Shepley, 2009, Ulrich et al., 2004). Identified and recognized basic environmental elements of health care architecture must be considered in order to provide positive effects on patients and staff. This study examined a group of elements particularly recognized for the intensive care units and operating theatres that has impacts on patient recovery and staff well-being. These include light, air quality, noise, temperature and humidity, noise, daylight, orientation, nature, dis-tance, distraction and accessibility. For data collection a setup combination of qualitative and quantitative methods were applied. They consisted in literature reviews, reference group workshops, focus group seminars and conducted questionnaires. The study provides findings and an improved understanding of relevant environmental design issues related to intensive care units and operating theatres. The studied material substantiates arguments that are supported by evidence concerning impacts of environmental design on pa-tient recovery and staff performance, including patient’s experience, successful treatment out-comes and satisfaction with working conditions. The results from the study are considered valid for medical personnel and health care planning architects and designers.