Using of Group-Modeling in Predesign Phase of New Healthcare Environments: Stakeholders Experiences

BACKGROUND

Current research shows a relationship between healthcare architecture and patient-related outcomes. The planning and designing of new healthcare environments is a complex process. The needs of the various end users of the environment must be considered, including the patients, the patients' significant others, and the staff. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of healthcare professionals participating in group modeling utilizing system dynamics in the predesign phase of new healthcare environments. We engaged healthcare professionals in a series of workshops using system dynamics to discuss the planning of healthcare environments in the beginning of a construction and then interviewed them about their experience.

METHODS

An explorative and qualitative design was used to describe participants' experiences of participating in the group-modeling projects. Participants (N = 20) were recruited from a larger intervention study using group modeling and system dynamics in planning and designing projects. The interviews were analyzed by qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Two themes were formed, representing the experiences in the group-modeling process: "Participation in the group modeling generated knowledge and was empowering" and "Participation in the group modeling differed from what was expected and required the dedication of time and skills."

CONCLUSIONS

The method can support participants in design teams to focus more on their healthcare organization, their care activities, and their aims rather than focusing on detailed layout solutions. This clarification is important when decisions about the design are discussed and prepared and will most likely lead to greater readiness for future building process.

Exploring the function and use of common spaces in assisted living for older persons

OBJECTIVE

This exploratory study examines the function and use of common spaces in assisted living facilities (ALFs) from the residential and workplace perspectives.

BACKGROUND

The impact of the physical environment on human activities in healthcare settings has been emphasized in many studies. Few studies, however, have explored the daily use of common spaces and the impact on the usability of ALFs.

METHODS

Four explorative methods-observation, group interviews, individual interviews, and questionnaires-were used to investigate 14 ALFs in Sweden. The study involves residents, staff, relatives, architects, and people responsible for planning and construction of eldercare. This research strategy combines quantitative and qualitative methods to enhance the validity of the results. Method triangulation and data triangulation were used and the data were analyzed using Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA).

RESULTS

The results show that residents and staff have different objectives for use and these differences affect usability, although explicit conflicts are rare. The residents, staff, and other stakeholders have different views about the demarcation of home and workplace and the role of common spaces as venues for social interaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the residential and the workplace perspective must be considered when planning assisted living facilities. Otherwise, inherent conflicts between these perspectives will manifest as a result of the physical design. Common spaces have diverse functions that are reflected in their spatial organization. Therefore, ALFs should be designed so the intended function of a specific space is apparent to all users.

KEYWORDS

Built environment, elderly, planning, satisfaction, staff.