The authors assert that just as the designed environment can impact health outcomes by disrupting effective communication and increasing patient and staff stress, it can also impact the experiences and outcomes for birthing women.
The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a conceptual model that helps to determine the characteristics of an optimal birth environment in relation to positive birth outcomes for women and infants. This model proposes that a safe and satisfying birth is dependent upon the level of stress experienced by the woman and the staff. This in turn influences their quality of communication, and this process is mediated by the design of the birth unit and the model of care provided.
This is a discussion piece that focuses on the development of a conceptual model. It is not stated if the literature was gathered using a systematic review process.
The authors discuss the literature that supports the influence of design on contributing to a safe and satisfying birth experience and outcomes. They also discuss the relationship between the variables of design and communication, although they admit there is little research in this area. They created the model of care to encourage multidisciplinary research in this area.
This is a theory paper and as such has no definitive findings.