Usability evaluation (IEQ survey) in hospital buildings

Abstract

Purpose As hospital operations are undergoing major changes, comprehensive methods are needed for evaluating the indoor environment quality (IEQ) and usability of workspaces in hospital buildings. The purpose of this paper is to present a framework of the characteristics that have an impact on the usability of work environments for hospital renovations, and to use this framework to illustrate the usability evaluation process in the real environment. Design/methodology/approach The usability of workspaces in hospital environments was evaluated in two hospitals, as an extension of the IEQ survey. The evaluation method was usability walk-through. The main aim was to determine the usability characteristics of hospital facility workspaces that support health, safety, good indoor air quality, and work flow. Findings The facilities and workspaces were evaluated by means of four main themes: orientation, layout solution, working conditions, and spaces for patients. The most significant usability flaws were cramped spaces, noise/acoustic problems, faulty ergonomics, and insufficient ventilation. Due to rooms being cramped, all furnishing directly caused functionality and safety problems in these spaces. Originality/value The paper proposes a framework that links different design characteristics to the usability of hospital workspaces that need renovation.

User-centric work environments in modular healthcare facilities

“…Hignett and Lu, 2009;Jensø and Haugen, 2005;Mollerup, 2009;Pati et al, 2008), but only a few have taken into account the viewpoint of healthcare personnel (e.g. Haron et al, 2012;Capodaglio, 2014;Aalto et al, 2017). Research reports generally discuss the spaces without specifying the usability characteristics from the viewpoint of different user groups.…”

“…The efficiency requirements for work processes are important, but they should not be detrimental to the well-being of hospital staff. According to Aalto et al (2017), it is essential to consider which usability characteristics enhance and which hinder the performance of various activities from the viewpoint of employees. Aalto et al (2017) have published a usability framework of hospital buildings (Figure 1).…”

“…According to Aalto et al (2017), it is essential to consider which usability characteristics enhance and which hinder the performance of various activities from the viewpoint of employees. Aalto et al (2017) have published a usability framework of hospital buildings (Figure 1). Although the framework illustrates the situation of hospital buildings under renovation, five usability attributes: safety/security, functionality, orientation, comfort and healthiness, can be seen as generally relevant to HCFs.…”

“…Old healthcare facilities (HCFs) in many countries need to be replaced with new solutions that could more efficiently attract qualified employees, provide cost savings by improving medical outcomes for patients and staff, achieve space efficiency and increase user satisfaction and the quality of care (e.g. Aalto et al, 2017;Berry et al, 2003;Ulrich et al, 2008). Services are restructured on the basis of customer-orientation, equality, easy availability and effectiveness.…”

Preferences for Indoor Environmental and Social Comfort of Outpatient Staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic, an Explanatory Study

“…Previous studies showed that the outbreak of a serious infectious disease may increase work stress and affect the health of hospital workers [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. As rapid changes in care processes may influence the perception of comfort, assessing the hospital environment is needed when changes occur [ 37 ].…”