The restorative quality of patient ward environment: Tests of six dominant design characteristics

Abstract

BackgroundPatient-centred ward design has recently attracted attention, and the impact of architectural environment on inpatients' psychological well-being is an important aspect thereof. However, little is known about inpatients’ perceptions of ward environments. MethodFifty-four inpatients at a Chinese general hospital participated in the study. The subjects experienced simulated patient ward environments through the use of virtual reality to test six design characteristics in various combinations. Subjects’ skin conductance (physiological measurement) and perceived restorative outcomes (psychological measurement) were tracked during and after the experiences. ResultsA window view of an urban landscape with natural elements led to better restorative effects than indoor plants or a digital representation of nature. Inpatients experience better restoration when surrounded by warm-coloured rather than cold-coloured or white walls. Relatively spacious patient rooms are more restorative, especially with a large width-length ratio. However, no restorative benefits were found for additional furniture, and abstract artwork does not necessarily improve mental well-being. The results of doorway position were varied, depending on measurements used. ConclusionsThe impacts of six built environments on inpatients' restorative outcomes were identified, and some impacts were mediated by demographics and human factors. The difference between physiological and psychological measurement results is argued to relate to the influence of people's additional information processing.