Depressed clinics make healing difficult

Sick Building Syndrome: How people in clinics can not recover from cold and uncomfortable architecture

07/08/2011

Hardly any patient feels well in the hospital. Long corridors with biting odors of disinfectants and bright light slow down at least the recovery of the patient. Some say clinics are so bald, sterile and uncomfortable that illnesses continue to manifest and sometimes even heal worse. Only recently did psychologists criticize this effect, which is in the professional world „Sick building syndrome“ is called. A researcher from the University of Koblenz has now developed a scheme to assess the architecture of clinics and their facilities. According to a scientist, about 60 percent of German hospitals would have to be redesigned so that the recovery of the patients would no longer be slowed down.

Unwell atmosphere in clinics
It is not an unknown but barely explored phenomenon: In clinic buildings, many people feel uncomfortable and sicker than they really are. The behaviors of most people adapt to the environment. Many feel subjectively stronger pain or discomfort, the eyes start to itch and tears in some people, many times the mucous membranes are permanently irritated by the sharp cleaning agents. Psychologists and doctors complain: The atmosphere of many clinics leaves much to be desired. While mainly non-medical practitioners and therapists rely on a comforting and relaxing atmosphere in their practice, conventional medicine in clinics is sterile and cold. First and foremost are prescription of medicines and treatment plans. The emotional state is often too short.

Architectural psychologists investigate influences of buildings
Now architectural psychologists have started to improve the situation. Dr. phil. Rotraut Walden belongs to a small group of more than 20 German researchers working in this special field of psychology. They superficially examine the effects of buildings and the resulting behavior of humans. "There is a significant relationship between the architecture of a building and the health of a person," says the psychologist „World Online“. In this context, Walden refers to the so-called building-related disease. Patients are increasingly suffering from infections, allergies or worsening of their existing asthma. But as soon as the person leaves the room or the building complex, their health improves after a short time.

For about 15 years, the lecturer at the University of Koblenz has been researching and researching the condition of clinics. In addition, she also deals with the realities of offices and kindergartens. In the course of her research, the scientist has developed a schematic system for evaluating hospitals from four perspectives. The focus is on the architectural functionalities, the aesthetics as well as the social and ecological compatibility. Important in the scheme are the outdoor greenery, the patient rooms, corridors and treatment room.

At first glance, the psychologist's requirements seem too high. Thus, according to ideas of Walden, the reception area, for example, a hotel reception. "The hospital should also be understood as a guesthouse and not as a terminal." It would be enough even small changes. Walden does not want to be misunderstood. It is not about luxury, but about the „Creating an atmosphere of welcome“ in clinics.

Helping to shape the environment improves recovery and recovery
According to the expert, people need emotional well-being to shape their environment. However, patients often feel helpless in the everyday life of the clinics. Many feel as though „subordinate“ and petitioners. For the process of recovery, these are not good conditions to recover quickly. Walden also addresses the aspect of the economy, here could be a not to be underestimated factor. Because the faster patients get well again, the lower the costs for the already compromised health system. Especially since the redesign financially should not weigh too much. Because even a few small things could quickly remedy. Setting up flowers and colorful pictures or operating temperature controllers and light sources independently can have a positive effect on the atmosphere. White walls, on the other hand, appear cold and repellent. Mediterranean colors are better on the walls, says the researcher. Finally, changes could optimize workflows, improve the motivation and commitment of clinicians, and accelerate patient recovery.

Intensive care units can also be redesigned
No hospital ward should be spared. Whether children's hospital, surgery or intensive care unit, every department can be embellished. Are rooms such as the intensive care unit equipped with countless medical devices, „you can decorate the ceiling“. Thus, even the prescription and the duration of taking medicines can be reduced.

In addition to the improvement measures within the clinic Walden says, should already be considered in the planning and construction of a clinic on ideal conditions of the property. Essential is the requirement that noise pollution from the outside must be avoided. On the other hand, traffic routes such as highways and train stations should be easily accessible. In the clinic itself, care should be taken to ensure that all signs are understandable, so that patients can find their way quickly even in an emergency.

So far, only a few hospitals redesign their premises. Some progress has recently been made in the birthing departments and delivery rooms. For example, the Hannover Medical School (MHH) took a first step in the right direction. Last year, the birthing department was completely redesigned and mother-child was made more friendly. Until a rethink has found everywhere, should „Patients bring personal things from home“, advises social pedagogue Gritli Bertram. These can be pictures of children, flowers, stuffed animals or cuddly pillows. Thus, at least the area around the patient bed can be upgraded atmospherically. (Sb)

Also read:
AOK: Significant treatment differences in clinics
Evaluation portal for hospitals started
Doctor Navigator: Doctors rate on the internet

On the topic of a scientific reading tip: Increasing productivity through office design. In F. Dieckmann, A. Flade, R. Schuemer, G. Ströhlein & R. Walden (1998). Psychology and built environment. Concepts, methods, application examples (Pp. 272-281). Darmstadt: Institute Housing and Environment.