Insights & Solutions

Yuan, H., Shen, X., (2023) Optimizing floor plans of accessible restrooms in elderly long-term care facilities: A path planning approach. Architectural Engineering and Design Management

In order to avoid excessively disabling an entire population of mobility aid users as well as decrease excessive dependency on caregivers, restroom design has to be optimized. The goal of this study was to explore how mobility path-planning simulation software can increase the convenience of restroom use for individuals who use wheelchairs and walkers. Researchers used a virtual path-planning method for generating floorplans and evaluating simulated patterns of movement between fixtures to identify the most convenient layout. The highest convenience score for a 2-fixture restroom layout resulted in the toilet at a 90-degree angle to the door and adjacent to the opposing wall; the sink’s optimal location was opposite the door.  In a 3-fixture arrangement, the sink remained opposite the door, and the toilet remained on the same wall as in the 2-fixture arrangement but was relocated adjacent to the wall with the door so the shower could occupy its previous location. Notably, a minimum room size for a 3-fixture layout required minimum dimensions of 2m x 2m (6.5’ x 6.5’). While not statistically significant, in all scores, the 45° side approach is the most effective for limiting both path length and turning angles making corner fixtures more convenient for movement.       

Nilvér, H., Berg, M., (2023) The birth companions' experience of the birthing room and how it influences the supportive role: A qualitative study. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal   

When women in labor are accompanied and supported by non-professional companions, both mother and newborn benefit. This study explores the birthing experience from the companion’s perspective to highlight how the space influences their ability to provide support to their laboring partner. Birth companions in a variety of different roles (partners, doulas, family, and friends) provided feedback to researchers about their experiences. Most companions sought to create a supportive space in the unfamiliar birthing environment. They focused on not being in the way of professional caregivers, finding their role while often subordinating their own basic needs, and staying close to their loved one.  Recommendations for creating spaces to accommodate companion presence include storage for belongings, comfortable furniture, transitional entry into the birthing room, the ability to conceal medical equipment, and nourishment and toileting facilities for companions.

Morag, I., Sonmez, V., Van Puyvelde, A., Pintelon, L., (2024) Improving wayfinding in hospitals for people with diverse needs and abilities: An exploratory approach based on multi-criteria decision making. Applied Ergonomics

In order to optimize the orientation and navigation capabilities of people with diminished cognitive and physical capabilities, there is a need to understand their perception and priority for wayfinding  features. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship of wayfinding behavior while under the influence of design features. Researchers evaluated feature identification along hospital routes through direct observation and participant self-assessment. Visual affordances were the most highly rated between both groups, making a moderate to fairly strong difference in their decision-making along routes.

Goel, S., Mihandoust, S., Joseph, A., Markowitz, J., Gonzales, A., Browning, M., (2024) Design of pediatric outpatient procedure environments: A pilot study to understand the perceptions of patients and their parents. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal

Outpatient procedures are becoming more commonplace for pediatric patients and managing patient and caregiver anxiety associated with treatment is an important aspect of care. This study was conducted in a pediatric outpatient facility where gastrointestinal procedures were performed. Researchers followed child/parent dyads through different phases of treatment (waiting room, pre-procedure room, procedure room, and recovery room), monitored two physiologic stress indicators via wrist sensor, and asked them to identify features of each space that they liked or disliked. Although the physiologic metrics were not statistically significant, responses suggested children experienced most anxiety in the waiting and pre-procedure rooms and parents were most anxious in the waiting room during their child’s procedure. For both groups, anxiety was lowest in the recovery room. Waiting and pre-procedure room distractions could help alleviate anxiety in children and their caregivers.