The impacts of hospital environment on healthcare delivery outcomes

The physical environment of a hospital plays a crucial role in patient health outcomes, well-being, and overall satisfaction with care. A well-designed hospital can have positive clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction that outlines a better quality of care. 

How does the physical environment of a hospital affect clinical outcomes and patient health? 

Different factors are related to enhancing design, such as noise absorption, single bedroom design, nature views, well-chosen colours & art, and daylight access, along with better way-finding design. 

These factors can reduce stress and pain, and enhance better quality of sleep and recovery, which in turn reduce the length of stay and increase patient satisfaction.

It has been found through various studies that patients who are accommodated in single-bed rooms have a 20% shorter length of stay and a 40% lower risk of hospital-acquired infections as compared to those who share their rooms.

Research has also suggested that patients who have access to nature tend to recover 10% faster and require 15% less pain medication than those who do not have such access. Exposure to natural light has been shown to reduce anxiety by 20% and depression symptoms by 15%.

A study has also revealed that patients in quiet hospital rooms experience 12% less pain and sleep 18% longer than those in noisy rooms.

These statistics highlight the importance of considering the physical environment when designing and managing hospitals. By creating a healing environment, hospitals can significantly improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Let us now examine the impacts of hospital environment on healthcare delivery outcomes.

The impacts of hospital environment on healthcare delivery outcomes

1. Single-bed rooms:

Design elements play a crucial role in shaping patient experience and clinical outcomes. Among various design elements, single-bed rooms have been found to offer several benefits compared to shared rooms. 

• Reduced noise and distractions: Single-bed rooms provide a quieter and more peaceful environment, which can promote better sleep quality, an essential component of the healing process. 
• Increased privacy: The increased privacy in single-bed rooms can also improve patient comfort and reduce anxiety. 
• Improved infection control: Single-bed rooms limit the spread of germs between patients, leading to better infection control. 

Therefore, designing healthcare facilities with single-bed rooms can significantly enhance patient experience and clinical outcomes.

2. Access to nature: 

Gardens can mitigate pain and reduce stress, along with increased satisfaction of patients, staff, and visitors. Hospital gardens have a positive impact on patients and they can help in treating some disorders such as dementia. Hospital gardens and nature spaces can also enhance social support, better communication and reduction of stress for staff members.

Studies have shown that viewing nature can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety: This can lead to lower blood pressure and heart rate, as well as improved pain management.
• Promote healing: Research suggests that exposure to nature can accelerate recovery time after surgery.
• Improve mood: Patients with access to nature tend to report feeling happier and more optimistic.

3. Natural light: 

Access to daylight has proved its effectiveness for getting better clinical outcomes. Bright sunlight has a positive impact as an antidepressant effect on winter depression. Sunny rooms lead to shorter stays compared with a dimly lit room. High illuminance in the morning has a better impact on patients compared with afternoon light; morning light is two times better and more effective.

Exposure to natural light has been linked to:

• Improved sleep quality: Natural light helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, which promotes better sleep.
• Reduced depression symptoms: The light spectrum of natural sunlight can boost mood and energy levels.
• Faster recovery times: Patients with access to natural light tend to heal faster and require less pain medication.

3. Natural light: 

Did you know that exposure to natural light can significantly impact our well-being? It has been proven that access to daylight can lead to better clinical outcomes. Research has found that bright sunlight has an antidepressant effect on winter depression, making it an effective treatment option. Further, patients who stay in sunny rooms have shown to have shorter stays when compared to those staying in dimly lit rooms. Interestingly, high illuminance in the morning has a better impact on patients compared to afternoon light, with morning light being two times more effective. 

But that’s not all! Exposure to natural light has been linked to improved sleep quality by regulating the body’s circadian rhythm, promoting better sleep. Moreover, the light spectrum of natural sunlight can boost mood and energy levels, which can help reduce depression symptoms. And if that wasn’t enough, patients with access to natural light tend to heal faster and require less pain medication, leading to faster recovery times. It’s incredible how much natural light can impact our overall health and well-being.

4. Noise reduction:

Excessive noise in hospitals can cause significant stress and discomfort for patients. To reduce noise levels, hospitals can take the following measures:

• Using sound-absorbing materials: This can help to reduce the noise from equipment, conversations, and other sources.
• Creating quiet zones: Designated areas where patients can relax and escape from noise.
• Implementing noise control policies: This could include limiting the use of loud equipment and encouraging staff to speak softly.

5. Colours and artwork: 

Colours and artwork play a crucial role in a hospital as they can significantly impact a patient’s mood and perception of their surroundings. The selection of colours should focus more on the patient’s well-being and comfort rather than just aesthetics.

To create a calming and soothing environment, hospitals should choose colours such as blues, greens, and browns. Green has been proven to be effective in reducing stress levels, unlike orange, which stimulates appetite and should only be used for treating patients with anorexia. Orange should be avoided in patient rooms with intense psychological conditions as it can stimulate mental activity.

Intensive care units should use calming and restful colours, while green and blue are recommended for operation rooms to counteract the effect on the eyes. In contrast, dementia patients’ rooms should have contrasting colours.

When it comes to artwork, images of nature have a more positive psychological impact on patients than abstract ones.

In summary, to create an environment in hospitals that prioritises the well-being and healing of patients, the five factors discussed above must be considered holistically. This means considering all aspects of the patient’s experience. 

Keen to enhance your knowledge and learn more about hospitals and healthcare? Earn our WES Approved 1-Year Executive MBA in Healthcare Management or Post Graduate Diploma in Healthcare Management & Leadership at affordable prices from anywhere in the world without breaking your job. Contact us today to get started!