Can inclusive environmental design be achieved in acute hospitals?

The effectiveness of healthcare delivery is determined, in part, by the design of the physical environment and the spatial organisation of work. This paper will consider firstly whether ergonomic input to provide recommendations for work space requirements may restrict patient autonomy and secondly, whether design developments for patient benefit may lead to difficulties in providing clinical care. The findings from two research studies are used to discuss the impact of physical layout on work systems with respect to staff well-being (space to work), patient care (monitoring) and patient experience (privacy and dignity). Several approaches to design and ward layout are considered, including Harness, Nucleus, AEDET, Planetree and Sengetun. Finally, the involvement of both staff and patients through a participatory ergonomics framework in building design is explored. It is suggested that mapping criteria for user participation in building design briefing with the participatory ergonomics framework may offer potential to improve and enhance patient involvement in hospital design.