A plasma display window? – the shifting baseline problem in a technologically mediated natural world
2009
Journal of Environmental Psychology
Journal Article
Author(s): Kahn, P. H. Jr., Friedman, B., Brian Gill, Hagman, J., Severson, R. L., Freier, N. G., Feldman, E. N., Carrere, S., Stolyar, A.
The general purpose of this study is to test the physical and psychological effects of experiencing nature through a technology medium. Past research has shown that contact with nature can lead to “enjoyment, satisfaction, and increased levels of satisfaction with one’s home, one’s job, and with life in general” (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989, p. 173). So in an fast-changing world of technology-mediated healthcare, the question posed in this study revolves around whether simulated nature scenes can elicit the same health benefits that real nature has shown to produce.
Added November 2014
Impact of place of residence on relationship between quality of life and cognitive decline in dementia.
2009
Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 23
Pages 395-400
Author(s): Missotten, P., Thomas, P., Squelard, G., Di Notte, D., Fontaine, O., Paquay, L., Ylieff, M.
In patients with dementia and their family members and caregivers, quality of life (QOL) is an important parameter; much attention is given to its improvement. However, the theory of improved QOL at home compared with that at institutional residences for dementia patients has not been tested by a comparison of two groups of people according to their place of residence. Furthermore, there are few studies of populations of people with dementia, living at home or in an institution, distributed across all different stages of cognitive decline.
Added November 2014
Exploring the Impact of the Physical Environment on Patient Outcomes in Ambulatory Care Settings
2009
HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 2
Pages 21-41
Author(s): Gulwadi, G., Joseph, A., Keller, A.
Recent trends in healthcare have seen a shift in treating episodic care within acute care environments to ambulatory care centers (ACCs). These facilities distribute care based upon prevention and wellness to combat chronic disease and provide care management. Ambulatory care environments consist of a broad platform of care settings and deliver many types of care to a wide range of populations. Due to these and other complexities, research linking the impact of the physical design of ACCs on patient health outcomes has yet to be documented.
Added September 2014
Clinical review: The impact of noise on patients’ sleep and the effectiveness of noise reduction strategies in intensive care units
2009
Critical Care
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 13
Pages 208–216
Author(s): Xie, H., Kang, J., Mills, G. H.
The World Health Organization recommends that noise levels in hospitals stay below 30 dBA at night to allow for better rest, yet excessive noise is prevalent in many healthcare settings, including intensive care units (ICUs). Research indicates that, since the 1960s, noise levels in hospitals increased by an average of 0.38 dBA (day) and 0.42 dBA (night) per year. Other research reports that the noise level in ICUs ranges from 50 to 75 dBA, with a night peak level soaring to 103 dBA. It’s easy to see why sleep disturbance is common among these vulnerable patients.
Added February 2014
Effects of low humidity and high air velocity in a heated room on physiological responses and thermal comfort after bathing: An experimental study
2009
International Journal of Nursing Studies
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 46
Pages 172-180
Author(s): Hashiguchi, N., Tochihara, T.
Winter often brings low humidity and high air flow from HVAC systems that may cause health-related issues for patients and can impact how comfortable they are before and after a bath.
Added January 2014
A comparison of patient and staff satisfaction with services after relocating to a new purpose-built mental health facility
2009
Australian Psychiatry
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 17
Pages 212-217
Author(s): Cleary, M., Hunt, G., Walter, G.
The physical environment of a hospital can support recovery from mental illness. Mental health patients are extremely vulnerable to changes in their environments. The paper reports on the impact on patients and staff of a relocation of Australia’s oldest and largest psychiatric hospitals, Sydney’s Rozelle Hospital. The new 174-bed purpose-built meant health facility provided patients with their own rooms within single story units. Further, patients were grouped in wards based on the phase of their illness and required treatment.
Added October 2012
Factors influencing patient satisfaction when undergoing endoscopic procedures
2009
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 69
Pages 883-891
Author(s): Ko, H. H., Zhang, H., Telford, J. J., Enns, R.
Patient satisfaction with endoscopic procedures helps establish performance standards, increases the accountability of physicians and staff, may facilitate patient compliance, and can lead to improvements in the quality of care. Limited data are available regarding the best mechanism and timing for assessing patient satisfaction with endoscopy.
Added October 2012
Pediatric Art Preferences: Countering the "One-Size-Fits-All" Approach
2009
Health Environments Research & Design Journal
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 2
Pages 46-61
Author(s): Nanda, U., Chanaud, C.M., Brown, L., Hart, R., Hathorn, K.
Viewing art has been shown to enhance the recovery process in adult patients by reducing stress and anxiety. Research also suggests that nature-themed visual images are preferred in high-stress adult healthcare environments. However, minimal research exists linking the viewing of art to outcomes and preferences in children.
Added October 2012
