Is it possible to feel at home in a patient room in an intensive care unit? Reflections on environmental aspects in technology‐dense environments

Abstract

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.

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

“…This may cause great risks for depersonalization, but the trend has changed toward designing more person-centered facilities today, and this often increases stakeholders' well-being (McCormack et al, 2011). An aspect of comfort is linked to the surrounding environment (Olausson et al, 2019): It is even possible to experience at-homeness in such high-technology settings as ICUs when the design matches the needs of the patients, their family, and the staff (Andersson et al, 2019). It is even possible to experience at-homeness in such high-technology settings as ICUs when the design matches the needs of the patients, their family, and the staff.…”

Exploring nurses' clinical reasons for bed transfers in acute care wards: An observational study

“…Although private rooms have become more common, multibed rooms are still used across the world (Bano et al., 2014; Halaby et al., 2017) owing to economic and organisational factors (Andersson et al., 2019). Wards with multibed rooms also have private rooms; thus, there are different uses for each patient room.…”

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

“…The concept of environment has received limited attention in nursing research, often being taken for granted as a passive frame of reference within which professional caring occurs, 5 , 6 although interest in the environmental impact of delivered care has had a revival lately. 7 – 9 This neglect is especially the case in relation to the intensive care setting. This is a significant omission given the particular environment of the ICU with its domination by high tech equipment and round-the-clock medical regimens.…”