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. 2017 Jul;10(4):136-150.
doi: 10.1177/1937586716679404. Epub 2016 Dec 18.

Design Quality in the Context of Healthcare Environments: A Scoping Review

Anna Anåker  1   2 , Ann Heylighen  3 , Susanna Nordin  1   2 , Marie Elf  1   2   4
Affiliations

Design Quality in the Context of Healthcare Environments: A Scoping Review

Anna Anåker et al. HERD. 2017 Jul.

Abstract

Objective: We explored the concept of design quality in relation to healthcare environments. In addition, we present a taxonomy that illustrates the wide range of terms used in connection with design quality in healthcare.

Background: High-quality physical environments can promote health and well-being. Developments in healthcare technology and methodology put high demands on the design quality of care environments, coupled with increasing expectations and demands from patients and staff that care environments be person centered, welcoming, and accessible while also supporting privacy and security. In addition, there are demands that decisions about the design of healthcare architecture be based on the best available information from credible research and the evaluation of existing building projects.

Method: The basic principles of Arksey and O'Malley's model of scoping review design were used. Data were derived from literature searches in scientific databases. A total of 18 articles and books were found that referred to design quality in a healthcare context.

Results: Design quality of physical healthcare environments involves three different themes: (i) environmental sustainability and ecological values, (ii) social and cultural interactions and values, and (iii) resilience of the engineering and building construction. Design quality was clarified herein with a definition.

Conclusions: Awareness of what is considered design quality in relation to healthcare architecture could help to design healthcare environments based on evidence. To operationalize the concept, its definition must be clear and explicit and able to meet the complex needs of the stakeholders in a healthcare context, including patients, staff, and significant others.

Keywords: design quality; evidence-based design; healthcare architecture; hospital design and construction; physical environment.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses flow diagram of the screening process of the literature.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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