Human-Building-Technology Interactions in Healthcare Environments: A Guiding Analytical Framework Based on Mediation Theory.

Abstract

Objective: There is a need for a more theoretical understanding of human behavior to inform the decision-making related to how technology should be integrated into healthcare environments.

Background: Healthcare systems are transforming with more technology embedded within the built environment of healthcare facilities. The placement of these technologies, however, only sometimes considers the needs or workflow of patients, visitors or staff. Despite similarities, evidence-based design, smart building design and human-building interaction research rarely intersect. However, each relies on multi-disciplinary insights to enhance these fields. In this paper, we contextualize human-building interaction with building technology through an analytical framework inspired by mediation theory.

Methods: Based on five case examples from previous studies and site visits, we present the interaction and explain how mediation theory provides insight into the interaction.

Results and conclusions: Looking at human-building technology interaction from the lens of mediation theory, it is apparent that the specific decisions taken in spatial and technological design impact the behaviors of building occupants. This paper provides examples of how technology in healthcare environments is used unintendedly, resulting in adapting the use to meet the user's needs. Mediation theory provides a framework to contextualize such encounters which will allow researchers to anticipate user needs and avoid disruptive building technologies in the future.