Optimal Healing + Working Environments: Designing Supportive Spaces for Professional Caregivers

• Other Authors: Griffin, Amy Leigh (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Interior decoration
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-7402

The purpose of this research study was to better understand how the physical environment affects professional caregivers in an outpatient cancer center setting. A review of the existing research on medical environments revealed a great deal of knowledge about how the environment can affect patients, but very little on how the environment affects professional caregivers. Therefore the study sought to increase the body of knowledge in this area. The review of literature and original research findings from this study were used to inform the design project portion of this thesis, which included the design of a cancer center that is pleasant and supportive for all users - patients, their loved ones, and professional caregivers. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Therefore, there is a need for facilities that seek to care for these people. Thankfully, over half of those diagnosed with cancer will beat the disease either through treatment options or surgery, and sometimes a combination of both. But, to get on the road to wellness, a cancer patient must receive some type of treatment and visit the doctor often. Sometimes cancer patients will visit a facility for a few minutes, but visits can also last up to 8 hours if patients are there for longer treatments. This points to the need for spaces that are welcoming and comforting. Additionally, studies show that the physical environment can affect professional caregiver well-being, satisfaction, and productivity. The optimal healing environment model was the cornerstone for the original research component of this study. This framework explores the affect of architecture, light, color, artwork, nature, and water on users' well-being. A cancer center in the southeast region of the United States was chosen as a site for this study. Methodology involved three methods of data collection: observation, interviews, and photographic documentation. Observations were conducted in a number of key patient care areas and were conducted every day of the work week and at varying times of the work day. Interviews with one professional caregiver in each area were also conducted to gain a more thorough understanding of the activities of the cancer center and how the professional caregivers perceive and interact with their environment. Finally, photographs were taken of the exterior and interior of the facility as a means of visual documentation and reference. The research findings suggest that professional caregivers are impacted by the physical environment. This study found that the layout of a building is a vital component of the design that can either enhance their well-being and performance or hinder it. This study also found that professional caregivers appreciate co-workers, supplies, and patient care areas in close proximity to their work-stations. Additionally, professional caregivers noted that they are stressed and would appreciate areas of respite that are conducive to relaxation and privacy from patients. When considering materials, finishes, and accessories, the study showed that professional caregivers appreciate soothing colors, materials with a residential feel, and artwork depicting local places. The literature review and the original research component helped to develop design guidelines for the design of a cancer center project. The resulting design of Hope Harbor Cancer Center provides a solution to the needs expressed in this thesis while creating a welcoming and supportive environment. === A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. === Summer Semester, 2013. === June 18, 2013. === nurse, Optimal Healing Environment, performance, professional caregiver, satisfaction, well-being === Includes bibliographical references. === Lisa Waxman, Professor Directing Thesis; Jim Dawkins, Committee Member; Marlo Ransdell, Committee Member.