Ulrich, R., Zimring, C., Quan, X., & Joseph, A. (2004). The role of the physical environment in the hospital of the 21st century: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Retrieved September 2004, from http://www.healthdesign.org/research/reports/physical_environ.php
Research teams from Texas A&M University and Georgia Tech identified over 600 studies - most in top peer-reviewed journals - that establish how hospital design affects clinical outcomes. In comparison with multi-bed rooms, single-bed rooms reduced noise, improved lighting, improved ventilation, and enhanced ergonomic designs. Supportive workplaces and improved layout were found to be associated with reducing errors, stress, pain, and medication use and improve sleep as well as other positive effects including staff outcomes. The report states, A growing scientific literature is confirming that the conventional ways that hospitals are designed contributes to stress and danger, or more positively, that this level of risk and stress is unnecessary: improved physical settings can be an important tool in making hospitals safer, more healing, and better places to work (pg. 3).
Berry, L. L., Parker, D., Coile, R. C., Hamilton, D. K., O'Neill, D. D., & Sadler, B. L. (2004). The business case for better buildings. Frontiers of Health Services Management, 21(1), 3-24.
Berry and colleagues have used an interesting approach to make a business for designing health care facilities that are supportive to patients and families. The evidence indicates that by spending approximately 240 million dollars (12 million dollars includes design upgrades) to replace a 250-bed old facility with an optimal 300-bed hospital ($800,000 per bed) the costs are quickly recouped through operational savings, increased revenue, and substantial, sustainable, and measurable financial benefits.
White, R. D. (Ed.). (2004). Clinics in Perinatology. (Theme issue: The sensory environment of the NICU: Scientific and design-related aspects). 31(2).
A recent issue of Clinics in Perinatology focused on current knowledge of evidence-based design of newborn intensive care units. Many of the articles include information that supports the concept of designing units to enhance presence and participation of families. One of the articles focuses specifically on this topic.