Humanistic design and culture in healthcare environments of Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Current discourses on healthcare environments' design suggest that qualitative healthcare is directly linked with the state and quality of the environment, making reference not only to the physical but also to the ambient and social environments. These conclude that in giving qualitative care to patients, who are the primary targets of these facilities, it is advocated that the healthcare environments are consciously humanised. Methods: The study is a literature review citing the Nigerian scenario as a case study among developing countries. Results: This review reveals that even though humanisation is crucial, as a driver for change in healthcare environments, its definition varies contextually. The paper further maintains that culture is central to whatever the definitions given to the concept of humanisation and attempts to initiate a discussion on the definition for 'Humanisation' in healthcare environments in Nigeria. It also emphasises the need for and the benefits of evidence-based designs in ensuring the design of well-humanised healthcare environments. In addition, the study finds that there is a dearth of the literature on healthcare environments' design in Nigeria. Conclusion: Currently, there are no commonly identifiable definitions for humanistic designs in healthcare environments in Nigeria. Recommendations are that more healthcare design research should be conducted to support these observations with empirical evidence and uncover how humanisation is defined in the country.