Ambient light levels and critical care outcomes
2013
Journal of Critical Care
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 28
Pages 110.e1-110.e8
Author(s): Verceles, A. C., Liu, X., Terrin, M. L., Scharf, S. M., Shanholtz, C., Harris, A., Ayanleye, B, Parker, A., Netzer, G.
Several U.S. healthcare agencies endorse a guideline that requires the construction of windows in patient care rooms so that naturally regulated sunlight can contribute to interior ambient lighting. This recommendation has been adopted by agencies in 46 U.S. states. Few studies have analyzed the association between light levels and intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes. No previous studies have quantitatively measured light levels or assessed intermediate factors such as analgesic use.
Added March 2015
Impact of daylight illumination on reducing patient length of stay in hospital after coronary artery bypass graft surgery
2013
Lighting Research and Technology
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 45
Pages 435-449
Author(s): Joarder, A. R., Price, A. D. F.
Array
Added March 2015
Measurement of ventilation and airborne infection risk in large naturally ventilated hospital wards
2013
Building and Environment
Journal Article
Author(s): Gilkeson, C. A., Camargo-Valero, M. A., Pickin, L. E., Noakes, C. J.
In healthcare environments, the transmission of airborne pathogens is a matter of concern. Ventilation has been identified as one of the key factors in the risk of infection. The authors indicate that most of the evidence on ventilation and infection risk has been in controlled spaces like operating rooms and isolation rooms, and that naturally ventilated spaces like wards have not been studied. They conducted a series of experiments in an unused ward to measure the transmission of pathogens in conditions of natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation, and no ventilation.
Added March 2015
HVAC filtration for controlling infectious airborne disease transmission in indoor environments: Predicting risk reductions and operational costs
2013
Building and Environment
Journal Article
Author(s): Azimi, P., Stephens, B.
The airborne transmission of infectious pathogens in indoor environments is a matter of concern. The authors refer to different operational and design strategies being used in different buildings to control/limit the spread of these pathogens.
Added March 2015
The influence of human walking on the flow and airborne transmission in a six-bed isolation room: Tracer gas simulation
2014
Building and Environment
Journal Article
Author(s): Hang, J., Li, Y., Jin, R.
The authors allude to the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS and influenza in hospital wards to emphasize the need to protect healthcare workers (HCWs) and non-infected patients. According to the authors, literature indicates that movement of HCWs in hospital wards contributes to the transmission of airborne contaminants. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate the movement of a HCW in an isolation ward and its impact on airborne transmission.
Added March 2015
The effect of hospital design on indoor daylight quality in children section in King Abdullah University Hospital, Jordan
2015
Sustainable Cities and Society
Journal Article
Author(s): Alzoubi, H. H., Al-Rqaibat, S. M.
Previous studies have shown that natural lighting in assisted-living homes and hospitals can help reduce heating costs while benefitting the physiological and psychological states of patients and staff. Exposure to sunlight has been associated with reduced mortality rates among cancer patients, with mood improvements, and with reduced lengths of hospitalization for patients receiving treatment for myocardial infarction.
Added March 2015
Pre-versus post-occupancy evaluation of daylight quality in hospitals
2010
Building and Environment
Journal Article
Issue 12
Volume 45
Pages 2652-2665
Author(s): Alzoubi, H., Al-Rqaibat, S., Bataineh, R. F.
Studies show that most hospital occupants prefer natural daylight to electrical light. Daylight can be used to optimize patient comfort by creating a more attractive indoor setting. Daylight has been linked to higher levels of staff performance and productivity along with reduced energy use and hospital emissions. Comparisons of pre- and post-occupancy lighting levels evaluate how well a space being put to use matches the predicted situation.
Added March 2015
Healing environment: A review of the impact of physical environmental factors on users
2012
Building and Environment
Journal Article
Author(s): Huisman, E. R. C. M., Morales, E., van Hoof, J., Kort, H. S. M.
According to the authors, research that examines the physical environment and its impact on the healing and well-being of human beings has been growing in the last several years. There is increasing availability of literature on evidence-based design.
Added March 2015
A numerical investigation of vertical and horizontal laminar airflow ventilation in an operating room
2014
Building and Environment
Journal Article
Author(s): Sadrizadeh, S., Holmberg, S., Tammelin, A.
Laminar airflow (LAF) ventilation or parallel distribution system is the most commonly-used ventilation system in operating rooms (ORs). There is, however, much uncertainty about better efficacy of vertical or down flow LAF and horizontal or lateral flow LAF in controlling infections in ORs.
Added March 2015
Impacts of indoor daylight environments on patient average length of stay (ALOS) in a healthcare facility
2012
Building and Environment
Journal Article
Author(s): Choi, J.-H., Beltran, L. O., Kim, H.-S.
One of the components that increases the quality of the indoor environment in hospitals is window views with access to daylight. The orientation of a window can be significant to the amount of daylight a room can get. This study examined the indoor environments of patient rooms located on different sides of a hospital building to investigate the impact of daylight on the length of stay.
Added March 2015
Cost-Effectiveness of Hospital Design: Options to Improve Patient Safety and Wellbeing
2011
York Health Economic Consortium
Report
Author(s): Lowson, K., Kelly, J., Bending, M., Whitehead, S., Wright, D., Duffy, S., Trueman, P., Saxby, R., West, P.
Added March 2015
Efforts To Improve Patient Safety Result in 1.3 Million Fewer Patient Harms
Author(s): AHRQ
Added March 2015
Realizing improved patient care through human-centered operating room design: A human factors methodology for observing flow disruptions in the cardiothoracic operating room
2013
Anesthesiology
Journal Article
Issue 5
Volume 119
Pages 1066-1077
Author(s): Palmer, G., Abernathy, J. H., Swinton, G., Allison, D., Greenstein, J., Shappell, S., Juang, K., Reeves, S. T.
The authors indicate that disruptions in the workflow of surgeries can extend surgery times and contribute to the escalation of healthcare costs.
Added March 2015
Using human factors engineering to improve patient safety in the cardiovascular operating room
2012
Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation
Journal Article
Volume 41
Pages 1801-1804
Author(s): Gurses, A. P., Martinez, E. A., Bauer, L., Kim, G., Lubomski, L. H., Marsteller, J. A., Pennathur, P. R., Goeschel, C., Pronovost, P. J., Thompson, D.
Cardiac surgery, despite technological and medical advances, involves high risks related to adverse events and medical errors that occur in the operating room. The Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model was used to guide the research – focusing on the different variables (providers, physical environment, tools and technologies, tasks, organization) in the care environment and the impact of their interaction on patient outcomes.
Added March 2015
Patient Safety in the Cardiac Operating Room: Human Factors and Teamwork A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
2013
Circulation
Journal Article
Issue 10
Volume 128
Pages 1139-1169
Author(s): Wahr, J. A., Prager, R. L., Abernathy, J. H., Martinez, E. A., Salas, E., Seifert, P. C., Groom, R. C., Spiess, B. D., Searles, B. E., Sundt, T. M., Sanchez, J. A., Shappell, S. A., Culig, M. H., Lazzara, E. H., Fitzgerald, D. C., Thourani, V. H., Eghtesady, P., Ikonomidis, J. S., England, M. R., Sellke, F. W., Nussmeier, N. A.
The cardiac surgical operating room is a complex environment, where patient lives are saved or considerably improved with the help of sophisticated equipment and skilled personnel. Although outcomes are improving, adverse events still occur, many of which are preventable. This statement is the result of a review of literature that presented evidence on patient safety and interventions that worked in enhancing patient safety in the cardiac OR.
Added March 2015
Planning a Cardiovascular Hybrid Operating Room: the Technical Point of View
2009
The Heart Surgery Forum
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 12
Pages E125-E130
Author(s): Nollert, G., Wich, S.
The authors allude to the growing trend of using hybrid operating rooms (ORs) for a wide range of cardiac surgeries and interventions. Given the complexity of the work environment, the authors emphasize the need for integrating clinical, technical, and architectural knowledge and expertise into the design of a hybrid OR.
Added March 2015
Energy Efficient Hospital Patient Room Design: Effect of Room Shape on Window-to-Wall Ratio in a Desert Climate
Author(s): Sherif, A., Sabry, H., Arafa, R., Wagby, A.
Windows are significant to the healing process in hospitals because of their ability to provide access to daylight and external views. However, in desert climates windows also contribute to increased hospital energy consumption because of the increased cooling load.
Added March 2015
Sleep disorder in cardiac care units: A special look at noise and light effects
2014
International Journal of Bioassays
Journal Article
Issue 01
Volume 4
Pages 3680-3685
Author(s): Sheihki, M. A., Ebadi, A., Rahmani, H.
Patients in hospitals sometimes experience disturbed sleep because of environmental factors. The lack of adequate sleep has many adverse effects, and these effects are particularly critical in the case of patients in intensive care units (ICUs).
Added March 2015
A review of design recommendations for outdoor areas at healthcare facilities
2012
Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 22
Pages 33-47
Author(s): Shukor, S. F. A, Stigsdotter, U. K., Nilsson, K.
The authors allude to the growing body of scientific literature that indicates the positive contribution of natural environments to human health. The stress caused by staying in a healthcare facility can be allayed by supportive outdoor natural environments.
Added March 2015
Changes in patient satisfaction related to hospital renovation: Experience with a new clinical building
2015
Journal of Hospital Medicine
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 10
Pages 165-171
Author(s): Siddiqui, Z. K., Zuccarelli, R, Durkin, N., Wu, A. W., Brotman, D. J.
As hospitals increasingly implement novel designs geared towards patient satisfaction and improved care, further research into the details of patient satisfaction levels is needed. By understanding patient perceptions of these new, patient-centered built environments and the care provided within them, healthcare providers and designers could more accurately project which design decisions will provide improved levels of patient satisfaction within a variety of contexts.
Added March 2015
