ARTICLE
Nejati, A., Shepley, M., Rodiek, S., & Lee, C. (2016). Restorative Design Features for Hospital Staff Break Areas: A Multi-Method Study. Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 9(2), 16-35.
Abstract
Objectives: The study investigated the main restorative components of staff break areas in healthcare facilities, by assessing usage patterns, verbal/visual preferences, and perceived restorative qualities of specific design features found in break areas for hospital staff.
Methods: A multi-method approach combined qualitative explorations (focused interviews and narrative survey questions) with quantitative measurements (discrete survey questions and a visual ranking of break-room spaces), and the results were compared and triangulated.
Results: It was found that staff break areas are more likely to be used if they are in close proximity to nurses’ work areas, if they have complete privacy from patients and families, and if they provide opportunities for individual privacy as well as socialization with coworkers. Having physical access to private outdoor spaces (e.g., balconies or porches) was shown to have significantly greater perceived restorative potential, in comparison with window views, artwork, or indoor plants.
Conclusions: The results of this empirical study support the conclusion that improvements in the restorative quality of break areas may significantly improve nurses’ satisfaction and stress reduction, potentially leading to improved care for the patients they serve.
Keywords: nurse, fatigue, rest break, policy, break spaces, built environment, health, quality of care
Experts
Adeleh Nejati, RA, PhD, LEED AP, WELL AP, EDAC, is a senior associate, a senior healthcare planner, and a researcher with NBBJ in San Francisco, CA. With more than a decade of healthcare project experience, Adeleh brings a strong research and design background supported by research-based, analytical problem-solving abilities. Blending her design and research experience, Adeleh takes a holistic approach to create highly efficient and caring healthcare settings for patients, families, and staff. She has a passion for engaging with key stakeholders, using computational and lean planning tools to build consensus towards informed decision-making.