Healthcare Design Research Articles

Nanotechnology applications in interior design of hospitals to enhance thermal comfort and decrease the infection spread for the occupants

Background In healthcare facilities, the significance of sensitive architecture cannot be overstated. In regions facing challenges such as Egypt, the healthcare sector is grappling with deteriorating conditions. The design of hospitals is crucial for addressing the needs of patients with varying illnesses and for creating an environment that fosters psychological well-being. The interior design process, especially the selection of materials, plays a pivotal role in ensuring a hygienic and safe environment within healthcare facilities. Walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture materials are key elements that contribute to the overall design. A study was conducted to investigate the application of nano materials in healthcare facility interior design in Egypt. Methods The study involved first a literature review on nano technology and its application in healthcare interior spaces. It culminated in a framework and guidelines for nano materials in different hospital zones. The analytical part of the study analysed successful international examples, leading to a checklist of nanomaterials categorized by hospital zones. The third part involved a base case study in Alexandria, Egypt, simulating the impact of nano coatings on air temperature, radiant temperature, and relative humidity using the DesignBuilder software. Results The results demonstrated a positive impact on patient health and thermal comfort with nano materials. The use of nano coatings in interior design finishes resulted in decreases in air temperature, radiant temperature, and relative humidity. There was an average decrease of 12.3%-16.7% in air temperature, 3%-4.2% in radiant temperature, and 7%-12% in relative humidity throughout the year. Conclusions The study highlighted the effectiveness of nano technology in enhancing the interior finishes of healthcare buildings, leading to improved patient health, thermal comfort, and decreased infection spread rate. We provide valuable recommendations for optimizing material selection in existing hospital buildings in emphasizing potential benefits of nano materials in healthcare facility design.

Media Art in Healthcare Environments: Enhancing Student’s Well-being and Mental Health

New media art refers to works of art that have been developed or created through the combination of art and technology. New media art encompasses any contemporary art forms created, edited, or transmitted using new media technology. It includes digital, interactive, online, virtual, video, sound, and artworks made using robotics, video games, biotechnology, 3D printing, and computer animation. As a result, many studies have been conducted on the use of arts to promote a balanced way of life and the value of art in the healthcare setting, however, a lack of study on media arts as an art-based intervention in the healthcare environment. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to identify the existing elements and characteristics of the artworks in the healthcare environment and propose a prototype media art as a new art-based intervention to enhance a pleasant healthcare environment and potentially promote well-being and mental health among students in the institutional healthcare environment. This is qualitative research involving interviews with doctors and experts in fields and observation in Pusat Sejahtera Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang. The semi-structured interview and observation will be recorded through an audio-video recording system. As a result, this research will develop a prototype of media art that will be produced using a combination of art and technology. These include interactive art, sound art, visual, and computer art. This prototype will give students, visitors, and staff in healthcare a good impact and enjoyable experience in healthcare environments that may be undergoing stress while waiting for the treatments or after the treatment. This research's significance is beneficial to academia, the institution's healthcare environment in Malaysia, and students' well-being and mental health. As mentioned by the Director-General of Health, Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, the future healthcare facility design goals are to create a healing environment, including art and hospitality.

Research needs for enhancing pre-occupancy evaluation of buildings

PurposeMany buildings fail to meet user expectations, causing a performance gap. Pre-occupancy evaluation (PrOE) is believed to have the potential to close the gap. It enables designers to obtain end-user feedback in the design phase and improve the design for better performance. However, PrOE implementation faces challenges due to still maturing knowledgebase. This study aims to understand the state-of-the-art knowledge of PrOE, thereby identifying future research needs to advance the domain.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework was conducted. A thorough search in five databases and Google Scholar retrieved 90 articles, with 30 selected for systematic review after eliminating duplicates and irrelevant articles. Bibliometric analyses were performed using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny on the article metadata, and thematic analyses were conducted on their contents.FindingsPrOE is a vehicle for engaging building end-users in the design phase to address the credibility gap caused by the discrepancies between the expected and actual performance of buildings. PrOE has gained limited applications in healthcare, residential, office and educational building design for two broad purposes: design management and marketing. Using virtual reality technologies for PrOE has demonstrated significant benefits. Yet, the PrOE domain needs to mature in multiple perspectives to serve its intended purpose effectively.Originality/valueThis study identifies four knowledge gaps for future research to advance the PrOE domain: (1) developing a holistic PrOE framework, integrating comprehensive performance evaluation criteria, useable at different stages of the design phase and multi-criteria decision algorithms, (2) developing a mixed reality tool, embodying the holistic PrOE framework, (3) formulating a PrOE framework for adaptive reuse of buildings and (4) managing uncertainties in user requirements during the lifecycle in PrOE decisions.

The Role of Environmentally Responsible Interior Design in Healthcare for Enhanced Patient Well-being

While the healthcare industry is struggling with environmental impacts, it is also trying to bring together holistic design practices to create sustainable, patient-centered and ecologically responsible, energy-efficient healthcare areas. With the increase in studies focusing on the positive effects of the ecological design approach on the well-being and recovery processes of patients, the integration of green elements into healthcare structures becomes even more important. Integration of environmentally responsible design (ERD) principles into hospital interior design; It contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions, resource consumption and environmental waste. At the same time; by optimizing energy-efficient systems, adopting sustainable materials, and creating patient-centered healing spaces by utilizing natural light and natural ventilation, it can be both contributed to the treatment process and reduce carbon footprints. This study proposes a new approach that integrates ERD elements with healthcare interior design. Recognizing that the built environment and human health are interconnected, the research examines innovative design strategies to promote healing through environmentally responsible interior design (ERID). The focus of this approach is on combining ERD strategies such as healing design, patient-centered design, evidence-based design and the use of sustainable materials, daylight, natural ventilation, energy-efficient design, sustainable design, biophilic design. As a result of this integration, by drawing attention to the role that patient-centered green interior designs play in improving the health and well-being of patients and the efforts to minimize the negative effects of hospitals on the environment. Also, it is aimed to encourage the health and construction sectors in this sense and proposed a path towards a green future.

Exploring the impact of built environment design on oncology inpatient rooms: a single-based study of King Abdullah University Hospital

ABSTRACT The recognized impact of healthcare facility design on patient well-being prompted this investigation into the influence of design variables on patient satisfaction and length of stay (LOS) within a single-center oncology unit. A survey-based methodology was employed at King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) to gather data from 88 participants. The study focused on inpatient rooms on the 10th floor, comparing single and shared accommodations. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in LOS between the two room types, with patients in single rooms experiencing shorter stays and higher satisfaction. Privacy (PR) received the highest mean score in participant evaluations, followed by social support (SS) and physical support (PS) features. Visual appearance (VA) received the lowest mean score. The correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between privacy, visual appearance, and LOS (p < 0.01), indicating that greater privacy and better views (implicated by the visual appearance score) are associated with shorter LOS. Correlations between physical support, social support, and LOS were weak and not statistically significant. These findings underscore the importance of room configuration in shaping the patient experience within oncology units and highlight the pivotal role of design in influencing patient outcomes. They also stress the need for human-centric considerations in healthcare facility design. This knowledge can guide healthcare professionals, architects, and policymakers in optimizing spaces for oncology patients, illustrating how the interplay between the built environment and patient experiences can potentially reshape patient care.

Adaptive Architecture and Infection Prevention in Hospitals

In healthcare facility design, especially in hospitals, infection control is paramount due to the vulnerability of patients to nosocomial or healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Despite advancements in medical practices and infection control measures, HAIs remain a significant challenge to patient safety and public health, particularly within hospital settings. Integrating adaptive architecture principles into hospital design and infrastructure presents a promising approach to addressing this issue. This paper examines the intersection of adaptive architecture and infection prevention in hospitals, with a focus on designing and constructing healthcare facilities to effectively curb the spread of infections. By incorporating adaptive architecture, hospitals can create environments that are responsive to the dynamic needs of patients, staff, and infection control protocols. Design elements such as flexible room layouts, easily adaptable ventilation systems, and antimicrobial surfaces can help minimize the risk of HAIs by reducing pathogen transmission and promoting cleanliness. Additionally, strategic placement of hand hygiene stations, isolation rooms, and patient flow pathways can optimize infection control practices and enhance patient safety. Strategically locating hand hygiene stations, isolation rooms, and patient flow pathways optimizes infection control practices and improves patient safety. By combining innovative design strategies and advanced technology, hospitals can better combat HAIs, fostering safer environments for patients and healthcare staff. This paper investigates how the collaboration of adaptive architecture and infection prevention can yield more robust and efficient healthcare facilities in the fight against HAIs. Keywords - HAIs, Adaptive Architecture, Infection, adaptable ventilation, flexible layouts, antimicrobial surfaces.

Enhancing healthcare environment design evaluations through an interactive virtual reality-based approach: A design science research

Ignoring a large number of occupants and their behavior in the Healthcare Environment Design Evaluations (HEDE) may lead to biased evaluation results and inefficiencies in the collaborative design process. This study aims to propose a VR-based approach integrating dynamic virtual crowds and human-environment interactions to improve participants’ spatial perception thereby increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of HEDE. This study followed Design Science Research (DSR) to develop an interactive VR-based workflow which was tested in a controlled experiment on the renovation of a real trauma intensive care unit and evaluated by 14 stakeholders including staff and architects. Results of the evaluation showed that dynamic virtual crowds and human-environment interactions helped participants improve spatial perception and were considered crucial for HEDE. The interactive VR-based approach met the criteria of “satisfaction” in terms of accuracy and efficiency. This study underscores the synergy between advanced technology and human-centered design, contributing to social sustainability.

Impact of hospital design on the psychological well-being of geriatric patients

PurposeThe study investigates the relationship between hospital environmental factors and the well-being of geriatric in-patients. It aims to identify the impact of architectural design on comfort, safety, privacy and stress levels experienced by elderly patients during their hospital stays.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a mixed-methods approach, the research assesses the experiences of 100 geriatric in-patients across various hospital types through surveys, observational checklists and state anxiety measurements. The methodology involves examining architectural features, patient perceptions and correlations among environmental variables and patient experiences. Statistical analyses, including correlations and chi-square tests, were employed to discern associations between environmental variables and patient experiences.FindingsThe research identified key architectural features significantly impacting geriatric patients' experiences. Factors such as sturdy beds, furniture quantity, lighting conditions, proximity to facilities and ward occupancy levels were found to influence spatial, sensory and social comfort. Notably, proximity to facilities and control over the immediate environment were crucial for self-control and safety perceptions. Privacy, highly valued by patients, correlated with the presence of curtains and ward occupancy. Moreover, patient stress levels exhibited correlations with autonomy, privacy and ward occupancy.Originality/valueThis research offers significant insights into the criticality of specific architectural elements in enhancing comfort and reducing stress for geriatric in-patients. These findings hold substantial value for healthcare facility design, emphasizing the need to prioritize certain design aspects to promote the well-being of elderly patients during hospitalization.

Design Decision Support for Healthcare Architecture: A VR-Integrated Approach for Measuring User Perception

Changing the physical environment of healthcare facilities can positively impact patient outcomes. Virtual reality (VR) offers the potential to understand how healthcare environment design impacts users’ perception, particularly among those with brain injuries like stroke, an area with limited research. In this study, our objective was to forge a new pathway in healthcare environment research by developing a comprehensive, six-module ‘user-centered’ design decision support approach, utilizing VR technology. This innovative method integrated patient engagement, architectural design principles, BIM prototyping, and a sophisticated VR user interface to produce realistic and immersive healthcare scenarios. Forty-four stroke survivors participated, experiencing 32 VR scenarios of in-patient bedrooms, followed by interactive in-VR questions and semi-structured interviews. The results of the approach proved to be comparatively efficient and feasible, provided a high level of immersion and presence for the participants, and effectively elicited extremely rich quantifiable response data, which revealed distinct environmental preferences. Our novel approach to understanding end-user responses to stroke rehabilitation architecture demonstrates potential to inform user-centered evidence-based design decisions in healthcare, to improve user experiences and health outcomes in other healthcare populations and environments.

The elderly wayfinding performance in an informative healthcare design indoors

This study examines the influence of architectural design elements and age on the wayfinding performance (WP) of older adults in healthcare circulation patterns. The study was conducted at Milad Hospital in Tehran, Iran, and included the Emergency, Outpatient, Clinics, and Inpatient wards. The study used a quantitative research method to investigate and virtual reality (VR) to simulate. Wayfinders were shown the circulation patterns of five types of healthcare circulations in virtual reality (VR) using two design approaches: high indicative features (the most guiding design aids) and a neutral environment (the fewest design aids). The study revealed that architectural design elements and age influence users' WP. Initially, it is worth noting that the mental-perceptual conditions of users in both groups were almost indistinguishable. However, the records of the elderly group (from 66 to 82 years) indicated a lower frequency of environmental design aid scenes (base design), which enabled them to more effectively identify and focus on locating the destination points. Nevertheless, the control group, consisting of younger individuals (from 18 to 39 years), exhibited superior and more efficient performance than their senior counterparts. When the users of both groups perceived the route to be challenging to traverse, their performance dropped, and they felt disoriented and anxious. Also, the Corridor circulation pattern exhibited a relatively low level of navigational complexity. Overall, the results suggest that architects should prioritize the design of circulation routes that are easily recognizable and highlight prominent features while considering the cognitive and perceptual needs of the elderly population.

From understanding diseases to drug design: can artificial intelligence bridge the gap?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology with significant potential to revolutionize disease understanding and drug design in healthcare. AI serves as a remarkable accelerating tool that bridges the gap between understanding diseases and discovering drugs. Given its capacity in the analysis and interpretation of massive amounts of data, AI is tremendously boosting the power of predictions with impressive accuracies. This allowed AI to pave the way for advancing all key stages of drug development, with the advantage of expediting the drug discovery process and curbing its costs. This is a comprehensive review of the recent advances in AI and its applications in drug discovery and development, starting with disease identification and spanning through the various stages involved in the drug discovery pipeline, including target identification, screening, lead discovery, and clinical trials. In addition, this review discusses the challenges that arise during the implementation of AI at each stage of the discovery process and provides insights into the future prospects of this field.

Emotion Detection from Photos Using MobleNet-based Deep Learning

In the era of twenty-first century, an era characterized by the proliferation of digital technology, big data and so on, the ability to identify human emotions through visual content from images has gained much importance and its popularity is increasing worldwide. This project deals with the task of detecting emotions from images using deep learning techniques with a specific emphasis on Mobile Net-based architectures. We start the project by preparing the dataset of various images showing diverse emotions. The Mobile Net architecture, a powerful convolutional neural network is fine-tuned with a custom dense layer to classify emotions into seven distinct categories. Data argumentation techniques such as zooming, shearing and horizontal flipping are incorporated to enhance robustness and prevent overfitting. The training dataset is preprocessed and normalized while a segregated validation dataset ensures stringent evaluation. During training we implemented early stopping and model checkpoint mechanisms to get optimal performance while avoiding overfitting. After training the analysis of accuracy and loss metrics provides an insight into the model’s trajectory. In practical applicability we use the trained model to predict emotion from single images, showcasing its potential in various domains, including digital marketing, healthcare, and user experience design. In today’s digital landscape the project findings hold relevance for a wide spectrum of applications, promising advancements in human computer interactions and emotion aware systems.

Health-care organization characteristics in cancer care delivery: an integrated conceptual framework with content validation.

Context can influence cancer-related outcomes. For example, health-care organization characteristics, including ownership, leadership, and culture, can affect care access, communication, and patient outcomes. Health-care organization characteristics and other contextual factors can also influence whether and how clinical discoveries reduce cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality. Importantly, policy, market, and technology changes are transforming health-care organization design, culture, and operations across the cancer continuum. Consequently, research is essential to examine when, for whom, and how organizational characteristics influence person-level, organization-level, and population-level cancer outcomes. Understanding organizational characteristics-the structures, processes, and other features of entities involved in health care delivery-and their dynamics is an important yet understudied area of care delivery research across the cancer continuum. Research incorporating organizational characteristics is critical to address health inequities, test care delivery models, adapt interventions, and strengthen implementation. The field lacks conceptual grounding, however, to help researchers identify germane organizational characteristics. We propose a framework identifying organizational characteristics relevant for cancer care delivery research based on conceptual work in health services, organizational behavior, and management science and refined using a systematic review and key informant input. The proposed framework is a tool for organizing existing research and enhancing future cancer care delivery research. Following a 2012 Journal of the National Cancer Institute monograph, this work complements National Cancer Institute efforts to stimulate research addressing the relationship between cancer outcomes and contextual factors at the patient, provider, team, delivery organization, community, and health policy levels.

An mHealth application for chronic vascular access: A multi-method evaluation.

Healthcare consumers require diverse resources to assist their navigation of complex healthcare interactions, however, these resources need to be fit for purpose. In this study, we evaluated the utility, usability and feasibility of children, families and adults requiring long-term intravenous therapy using a recently developed mobile health application (App), intravenous (IV) Passport. Multi-site, parallel, multi-method, prospective cohort study. A multi-site, multi-method study was carried out in 2020-2021, with 46 participants (20 adults, 26 children/family) reporting on their experiences surrounding the use of the IV Passport for up to 6 months. Overall, utility rates were acceptable, with 78.3% (N = 36) using the IV Passport over the follow-up period, with high rates of planned future use for those still active in the project (N = 21; 73%), especially in the child/family cohort (N = 13; 100%). Acceptability rates were high (9/10; IQR 6.5-10), with the IV Passport primarily used for documenting new devices and complications. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes (and multiple subthemes) in the qualitative data: Advocacy for healthcare needs, Complexity of healthcare and App design and functionality. Several recommendations were made to improve the end-user experience including 'how to' instructions; and scheduling functionality for routine care. The IV Passport can be safely and appropriately integrated into healthcare, to support consumers. Patient-/parent-reported feedback suggests the Intravenous Passport is a useful tool for record-keeping, and positive communication between patients/parents, and clinicians. Not applicable. Consumers reported their experiences surrounding the use of the IV Passport for up to 6 months.

Influence of the Physical Environment on Maternal Care for Culturally Diverse Women: A Narrative Review.

This narrative literature review aims to develop a framework that can be used to understand, study, and design maternal care environments that support the needs of women from diverse racial and ethnic groups. Childbirth and the beginning of life hold particular significance across many cultures. People's cultural orientation and experiences influence their preferences within healthcare settings. Research suggests that culturally sensitive care can help improve the experiences and outcomes and reduce maternal health disparities for women from diverse cultures. At the same time, the physical environment of the birth setting influences the birthing experience and maternal outcomes such as the progression of labor, the use of interventions, and the type of birth. The review synthesizes articles from three categories: (a) physical environment of birthing facilities, (b) physical environment and culturally sensitive care, and (c) physical environment and culturally sensitive birthing facilities. Fifty-five articles were identified as relevant to this review. The critical environmental design features identified in these articles were categorized into different spatial scales: community, facility, and room levels. Most studies focus on maternal or culturally sensitive care settings outside the United States. Since the maternal care environment is an important aspect of their culturally sensitive care experience, further studies exploring the needs and perspectives of racially and ethnically diverse women within maternal care settings in the United States are necessary. Such research can help future healthcare designers contribute toward addressing the ongoing maternal health crisis within the country.

Insights into Healthcare Design Essentials from Diverse Perspectives

Much work is yet to be done to transform gaps in services by designing more equitable, accessible, affordable, and empathy‐based healthcare best practices for all humans.Consider how to use meaningful imagery, purposeful storytelling, and intentional problem‐solving to address the new and changing healthcare landscape in order to create a more sustainable, patient‐centered experience.

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in healthcare facilities: A systematic literature review and gap analysis

Numerous studies have examined the connection between indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and health in various healthcare settings. However, it remains uncertain whether these findings are consistent across a wide array of healthcare environments and for the diverse IEQ elements such as daylighting, thermal comfort, acoustics, and indoor air quality. As a result, this study aims to holistically assess the impact of IEQ elements on healthcare facilities with a focus on patient and staff outcomes and identify the gaps in knowledge within the domain. The study applied a qualitative research approach, including a systematic literature review from the last three decades, covering four major databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science). The collective body of research consistently demonstrates that favourable IEQ positively impacts patient recovery, reduces stress levels, shortens hospital stays, and enhances staff effectiveness in care delivery. Nevertheless, a notable research gap exists concerning the combined effects of IEQ on healing outcomes, particularly between purpose-built and non-purpose-built healthcare facilities. To bridge this gap, we propose adopting an evidence-based design approach to understand the relationship between a hospital's indoor environment and the well-being of both patients and staff, with a specific focus on architectural considerations. The study also proposes a conceptual framework that helps understand the dynamics of IEQ elements in healthcare facilities. The outcomes of this review offer valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and building and healthcare professionals, facilitating the enhancement of IEQ design guidelines and standards tailored to healthcare facilities.

Clinicians’ experience with technology within the physical environment of trauma rooms: a focus group study

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how trauma team members perceive technological equipment and tools in the trauma room (TR) environment and to identify how the technological equipment could be optimized in relation to the TR’s space.Design/methodology/approachA total of 21 focus group sessions were conducted with 69 trauma team members, all of whom worked in Level I TRs from six teaching hospitals in the USA.FindingsThe collected data was analyzed and categorized into three parent themes: imaging equipment, assistive devices and room features. The results of the study suggest that trauma team members place high importance on the availability and versatility of the technological equipment in the TR environment. Although CT scans are a usual procedure necessity in TRs, few facilities were optimized for easy access to CT-scanners for the TR. The implementation of cameras and screens was suggested as an improvement to accommodate situational awareness. Rapid sharing of data, such as imaging results, was highly sought after. Unorthodox approaches, such as the use of automatic doors, were associated with slowing down the course of actions.Practical implicationsThis study provides health-care designers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions when designing TRs. It will cover key considerations such as room layout, equipment selection, lighting and controls. Implementing the strategies will help minimize negative patient outcomes.Originality/valueLevel I TRs are a critical element of emergency departments and designing them correctly can significantly impact patient outcomes. However, designing a TR can be a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors, including patient safety, workflow efficiency, equipment placement and infection control. This study suggests multiple considerations when designing TRs.

Rethinking the Healthcare Facilities: The Role of the Buffer Space.

A working group conducted a survey on the use of the principle of buffer space (BS), which in case of emergencies, could benefit healthcare settings. The aim of the preliminary investigation is to define new research lines in hospitals' functional design. The global experience of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted challenges faced by hospitals when responding promptly to emergencies, including spatial reorganization and suspension of ordinary medical activities for ensuring adequate management of the emergency surge of patients. The group designed questionnaires to be administered to healthcare staff and healthcare designers aimed at understanding varied conceptions and features of BSs. Content across the two surveys overlapped significantly, allowing for direct comparisons of responses, while also including tailored questions in relation to the respective experience and skills of the two groups of respondents. 102 healthcare professionals and 56 designers took part to the survey. Analysis of the responses permitted for initial recommendations regarding BS typology including (a) proximity to the emergency department (ED), intensive care units (ICUs), and inpatient wards (IWs); (b) location within hospitals but separate from other medical areas; (c) need for independent access; (d) organizational and spatial features similar to ED, ICUs, and IWs; (e) existing as a fully flexible operational space; and (f) BS bed capacity to be approximately 12% of ED beds. Although the analysis is related to the Italian context, the expansion of this preliminary research to alternate healthcare facilities and geographic areas is necessary for reaching a wide consensus by different professionals on this field. It serves as a starting point for future investigations regarding the implementation of BS in hospital settings.

Understanding the acceptance of business intelligence from healthcare professionals’ perspective: an empirical study of healthcare organizations

PurposeDue to its ability to support well-informed decision-making, business intelligence (BI) has grown in popularity among executives across a range of industries. However, given the volume of data collected in health-care organizations, there is a lack of exploration concerning its implementation. Consequently, this research paper aims to investigate the key factors affecting the acceptance and use of BI in healthcare organizations.Design/methodology/approachLeveraging the theoretical lens of the “unified theory of acceptance and use of technology” (UTAUT), a study framework was proposed and integrated with three context-related factors, including “rational decision-making culture” (RDC), “perceived threat to professional autonomy” (PTA) and “medical–legal risk” (MLR). The variables in the study framework were categorized as follows: information systems (IS) perspective; organizational perspective; and user perspective. In Jordan, 434 healthcare professionals participated in a cross-sectional online survey that was used to collect data.FindingsThe findings of the “structural equation modeling” revealed that professionals’ behavioral intentions toward using BI systems were significantly affected by performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, MLR, RDC and PTA. Also, an insignificant effect of PTA on PE was found based on the results of statistical analysis. These variables explained 68% of the variance (R2) in the individuals’ intentions to use BI-based health-care systems.Practical implicationsTo promote the acceptance and use of BI technology in health-care settings, developers, designers, service providers and decision-makers will find this study to have a number of practical implications. Additionally, it will support the development of effective strategies and BI-based health-care systems based on these study results, attracting the interest of many users.Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s knowledge, this is one of the first studies that integrates the UTAUT model with three contextual factors (RDC, PTA and MLR) in addition to examining the suggested framework in a developing nation (Jordan). This study is one of the few in which the users’ acceptance behavior of BI systems was investigated in a health-care setting. More specifically, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that reveals the critical antecedents of individuals’ intention to accept BI for health-care purposes in the Jordanian context.