Creating an Environmentally Sustainable Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Shepley, Mardelle McCuskey; Song, Yilin; Marshall-Baker, Anna

doi:10.1053/j.nainr.2016.09.027

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…In response, recent data suggest these finish surface materials are specified to be nontoxic, including all ceilings, waste management, water-efficient fixtures, wall and floor surfaces, and furnishings that are easily cleanable. Off-gassing of materials remains a persistent concern due to the potential deleterious impact of airborne toxins, with particular attention accorded infant incubators ( Marshall-Baker, 2006 ; Shepley, 2016 ). Smart lighting systems produce full-spectrum lighting—a health-promoting alternative to conventional fluorescent fixtures, combined with natural daylighting and person–nature biophilic affordances.…”

Section: Icu Ecological Sustainabilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Intensive Care Unit Built Environments: A Comprehensive Literature Review (2005–2020)

Verderber

Gray

Suresh-Kumar

et al. 2021

HERD

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Background: The intensive care environment in hospitals has been the subject of significant empirical and qualitative research in the 2005–2020 period. Particular attention has been devoted to the role of infection control, family engagement, staff performance, and the built environment ramifications of the recent COVID-19 global pandemic. A comprehensive review of this literature is reported summarizing recent advancements in this rapidly expanding body of knowledge. Purpose and Aim: This comprehensive review conceptually structures the recent medical intensive care literature to provide conceptual clarity and identify current priorities and future evidence-based research and design priorities. Method and Result: Each source reviewed was classified as one of the five types—opinion pieces/essays, cross-sectional empirical investigations, nonrandomized comparative investigations, randomized studies, and policy review essays—and into nine content categories: nature engagement and outdoor views; family accommodations; intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal ICU, and pediatric ICU spatial configuration and amenity; noise considerations; artificial and natural lighting; patient safety and infection control; portable critical care field hospitals and disaster mitigation facilities including COVID-19; ecological sustainability; and recent planning and design trends and prognostications. Conclusions: Among the findings embodied in the 135 literature sources reviewed, single-bed ICU rooms have increasingly become the norm; family engagement in the ICU experience has increased; acknowledgment of the therapeutic role of staff amenities; exposure to nature, view, and natural daylight has increased; the importance of ecological sustainability; and pandemic concerns have increased significantly in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Discussion of the results of this comprehensive review includes topics noticeably overlooked or underinvestigated in the 2005–2020 period and priorities for future research.

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Section: Icu Ecological Sustainabilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Intensive Care Unit Built Environments: A Comprehensive Literature Review (2005–2020)

Verderber

Gray

Suresh-Kumar

et al. 2021

HERD

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“…The top opportunity identified by patients was exposure to nature, suggesting strategies like mimicking natural environments and enhancing access to outdoor gardens [23,24]. A program at LHSC, Nature for Healing, works on increasing patient and family experience through nature exposure [25].…”

Section: Perspectives and Opportunities Identified By Patientsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Hospital Staff and Patients on Environmental Sustainability in the Operating Room: A Quality Improvement Survey Study. (Preprint)

Stachura,

Brar,

Davidson

et al. 2024

Preprint

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BACKGROUND In Canada, the healthcare system has been estimated to generate 33 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Healthcare systems, specifically operating rooms (ORs), are significant contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, using three to six times more energy than the hospital’s average unit. OBJECTIVE This quality improvement study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of staff and patients on sustainability in the OR, as well as identify opportunities for initiatives and barriers to implementation. METHODS Two surveys were developed, consisting of 27 questions for staff and 22 questions for patients/caregivers. Topics included demographics, knowledge, and attitudes regarding environmental sustainability, opportunities for initiatives, and perceived barriers. Multiple choice, Likert-scale, and open-ended questions were used. RESULTS A total of 174 staff and 37 patients participated. The majority (88%) of staff had received no/minimal training on sustainability, while 93% cited practicing sustainability at work as important. Among patients/caregivers, 54% often/always noticed when a hospital is being eco-friendly. Both staff and patients agreed that improving sustainability would boost satisfaction (71.8%;59.4%) and hospital reputation (89.5%;69.5%). The staff’s highest rated environmental initiatives included transitioning to reusables, education, and improved energy consumption, while patients prioritized increased nature, improved food sourcing, and education. Perceived barriers to these initiatives included cost, lack of education, and lack of incentive. CONCLUSIONS Staff and patients/caregivers in a large academic healthcare center acknowledge the significance of environmental sustainability in the OR. While they do not perceive a direct impact on patient care, they anticipate positive effects on satisfaction and hospital reputation. Aligning initiatives with staff and patient/caregiver preferences can help drive meaningful change within the OR and beyond.

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Bridging biophilic design and environmentally sustainable design: A critical review

Wijesooriya

Brambilla

2021

Journal of Cleaner Production

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Creating an Environmentally Sustainable Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Cited by 6 publications

References 11 publications

Intensive Care Unit Built Environments: A Comprehensive Literature Review (2005–2020)

Intensive Care Unit Built Environments: A Comprehensive Literature Review (2005–2020)

Exploring the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Hospital Staff and Patients on Environmental Sustainability in the Operating Room: A Quality Improvement Survey Study. (Preprint)

Bridging biophilic design and environmentally sustainable design: A critical review

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