Curtin University researchers have evaluated the design of Perth’s new Children’s Hospital, finding both positives and negatives in the building.
The design strategies evaluated included that the new paediatric hospital incorporate mostly single-patient rooms, a 65 per cent larger floor area, V-shaped ward design and architectural features to maximise natural light, quietness and views of nature.
Lead Researcher, Fenella Gill from Curtin’s School of Nursing, said the study found that while nurses spent double the amount of time walking in the new hospital, they spent the same amount of time at patients’ bedsides.
“At the time of planning this study, the influence of building design with single rooms on patient, family and nurse experience and workflow in a children’s hospital was unquantified,” Associate Professor Gill said.
“We looked to address that knowledge gap by measuring the effects from a nursing, patient and family point of view,” she said.
She said Curtin’s research revealed both benefits and challenges.
“Patients and families liked the new environment (in particular the natural light, privacy of single-patient rooms and views), yet also recognised how the design resulted in reduced visibility of nurses and a sense of isolation,” the Lead Researcher said.
“Nurses reported that the new environment resulted in them initially experiencing exhaustion; less visibility to families and other nurses, and decreased capacity to supervise less experienced nurses.
“However, over time they did adjust to their new working environment and their experiences did improve.”
Associate Professor Gill said that despite the hard data of no change to nurse time spent at patients’ bedsides, the perception and experiences of children, families and nurses were that nurses were less visible and spent less time with patients.
The full research paper is available on the University’s website at this PS News link.
