Physical characteristics of the indoor environment that affect health and wellbeing in healthcare facilities: a review

Abstract

Understanding the physical characteristics of the indoor environment that affect human health and wellbeing is the key requirement underpinning the beneficial design of a healthcare facility (HCF). We reviewed and summarized physical factors of the indoor environment reported to affect human health and wellbeing in HCFs. Altogether, 214 publications were selected for this review. According to the literature, there is strong scientific evidence to show that following indoor environmental factors have beneficial effects for all user groups when appropriately designed or implemented: the acoustic environment, ventilation and air conditioning systems, the thermal environment, the visual environment (e.g. lighting, and views of nature), ergonomic conditions and furniture. In contrast, the effect of special layouts and room type and floor coverings may be beneficial for one group and detrimental for another. Some of the physical factors may, in themselves, directly promote or hinder health and wellbeing, but the factors can also have numerous indirect impacts by influencing the behaviour, actions and interactions of patients, their families and the staff members. The findings of this research enable a good understanding of the different physical factors of the indoor environment on health and wellbeing and provide a practical resource for those responsible for the design and operation of the facilities as well as researchers investigating these factors. However, more studies are needed in order to inform the design of optimally beneficial indoor environments in HCFs for all user groups.

Healing built-environment effects on health outcomes: environment–occupant–health framework

“…Such reviews highlight the lack of an adequate method that integrates credible findings holistically to demonstrate the cumulative and interactive effects of various environmental aspects on occupants' wellbeing. This has been highlighted since 2010 by Durmisevic and Ciftcioglu (2010), Huisman et al (2012), Salonen, Lahtinen, Lappalainen, and Reijula (2013) and Nimlyat and Kandar (2015). However, most of the current research still focuses on examining the effect of a specific HBE characteristic on a specific health outcome for a certain group of occupants.…”

Human factors in the design of sustainable built environments

“…In their report on the Healing Environment within healthcare facilities, the UK's Department of Health concluded that "wounds take longer to heal when patients are exposed to noise for long periods" and "noise can also affect our weight and our hormonal balances" (DoH, 2005). Indeed, it is well known that sound (noise) can significantly disempower individuals and, as a result, have widespread personal and societal consequences (Salonen and Morawska, 2013). As a key contributor to general health problems, it is understood to induce both physiological and psychological harm (Kryter, 1985) and, in so doing, place considerable stress on the core services trying to support those affected.…”

Design principles in housing for people with complex physical and cognitive disability: towards an integrated framework for practice

“…Further, the incorporation of visual and physical access to nature for hospitalised patients, staff, and visitors results in numerous physiological, psychological, and emotional health benefits. Such benefits include faster recovery, reduced anxiety and pain, lower blood pressure, and less need for pain medication for patients (Ulrich, 2006); reduced stress and anxiety, improved concentration and productivity, and increased job satisfaction for hospital staff (Salonen et al, 2012); and reduced stress and anxiety and improved mood and emotional wellbeing for families and visitors (Salonen et al, 2013).…”