Space design Fiona de Vos works with hospitals, nursing homes, mental healthcare facilities and other healthcare organizations to define strategic objectives and design goals from the perspective of evidence-based space design and a healing environment. She is the expert teaching this course at the University of Amsterdam. And also the founder of Studio dVO, a consulting and research firm […]
Healthcare
Effects of noise and stress to nurses
Nurses Pernilla Svensson is a registered nurse in Klippan, near Helsingborg in southern Sweden. For the past 20 years, she has worked in a variety of hospital settings. ECO for Sustainable Design filmed her sharing some of her experiences regarding the working environment in the healthcare sector. Without much previous reflection on noise and the […]
Acoustic intervention at St. Marien-Krankenhaus Siegen Hospital
Acoustic intervention by Ingrid Fuchs (Concept Developer Healthcare Environments at Ecophon Germany) and Dr. Martin Schmelling (Specialist in Anesthetics, St.Marys Hospital) In July 2014 an optimization and acoustic intervention started in the pre-located areas of the OR (pre-op and post-op patient areas) at the St. Marien Hospital in Siegen, Germany. It has been a challenge […]
How the latest healthcare design trends impact the acoustics
The latest trends in healthcare design aim to construct environments that are fit for healing and consider the patients’ experience. Hospitals seem to be undergoing the same transition as offices did a while back; they are becoming more open, using more glass and light surfaces, and making the most of natural daylight and splashes of […]
Activity noise level halved in Birmingham ward
At Sandwell General Hospital in Birmingham, England, replacing the old, reflective ceiling with a highly sound-absorbent Class A ceiling has reduced noise levels in the corridors of Priory Ward 4 by half. Acoustics “A major improvement,” according to Andrew Parkin, an acoustics expert at Cundall, a consulting firm. See the sound propagation animation below. Noise […]
Five ways noise impact the patient experience
Effects of noise 1) SLEEP DISRUPTION: For a good night’s sleep, continuous background noise should not exceed 30 dB, and individual noise events exceeding 45 dB should be avoided (1). Average nighttime noise levels in hospitals are over 60 dB (2). 2) FEELINGS OF HELPLESSNESS: Sounds from neighboring patients and from advanced medical treatments and […]
Acoustic research in care of the elderly
Scientists are currently investigating the role of acoustics in the care of the elderly, under the leadership of Nicole van Hout. She is co-owner of Level Acoustics and is participating in a major research project entitled “Life enrichment care. Building physics interventions for the well-being of frail elderly.” The project aims to enhance physical environmental […]
Deaf Awareness Week 2015 – Myths
There are many myths about hearing impairment and deaf children. Let´s look into that! Deaf Awareness Week This week, during Deaf Awareness Week the NDCS (National Deaf Children’s Society) is highlighting findings from their published research. Focusing on the experiences of their members whose children have mild to moderate hearing loss. And teachers, in conjunction […]
Interview with Alessandro Caruso
Alessandro Caruso is a UK-based architect committed to creating healing environments for the healthcare industry. Healthcare design Alessandro Caruso’s interest in healthcare design stems from a personal experience that gave him a mission: to improve the healthcare environment for patients. Many years ago, Alessandro had a serious motorcycle accident that left him confined to bed […]
New digital Healthcare magazine
Over the past 40 years, average noise levels in hospitals have increased by a full 15 decibels (dB) reaching levels of around 70 decibels. Exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 35 dB for a healing environment! Members of staff devote about 40 percent of their work time to communicating in one way or […]
