{"title":"Healing Environments for Cancer Care: Toward a Patient-Centered Design Guideline for Inpatient Settings.","authors":"Bekir Huseyin Tekin","doi":"10.1177/19375867251406202","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19375867251406202","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesThis study proposes an evidence-based design guideline for oncology inpatient rooms that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of cancer patients.BackgroundCancer inpatients frequently experience long hospital stays with emotional vulnerability and clinical stress. Growing evidence suggests environmental design can shape patient experience, comfort, and recovery. Yet, current literature lacks an integrated framework for the spatial and sensory needs of this population.MethodA systematic literature review was conducted across Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. From an initial pool of 1004 records, 36 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were thematically analyzed and interpreted using established healthcare design theories.ResultsThe synthesis coalesced a wide range of findings into five core thematic domains: (a) the patient's personal sphere of privacy, control, and identity; (b) the social dimension of balancing solitude with connection; (c) the sensory environment of nature, art, and acoustic well-being; (d) the integration of embedded safety and hygiene; and (e) a culture of responsive and participatory design. The analysis reveals a critical tension between clinical necessity (e.g., infection control) and psychological well-being (e.g., avoiding isolation), highlighting the need for integrated solutions.ConclusionsThe physical environment is an active agent in the cancer care experience. This review presents a comprehensive, patient-centered design framework translating empirical evidence into practical strategies. Despite study design limitations, the findings emphasize creating adaptable, psychologically supportive environments for patients' evolving needs. The proposed guideline is a foundation for future design standards and evidence-driven practice in oncology care.</p>","PeriodicalId":47306,"journal":{"name":"Herd-Health Environments Research & Design Journal","volume":" ","pages":"129-149"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12988017/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145858241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bridging the Research-to-Practice Divide in Healthcare Design.","authors":"Von Lambert","doi":"10.1177/19375867251401215","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19375867251401215","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47306,"journal":{"name":"Herd-Health Environments Research & Design Journal","volume":" ","pages":"12-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145702489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"On the Prospect of a Maggie's Centre for North America.","authors":"Stephen Verderber","doi":"10.1177/19375867251396922","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19375867251396922","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This discussion examines the fundamental premise of the Maggie's Centre care philosophy, its success, and why North America has yet to accept this innovative, non-medicalized healthcare paradigm. This UK-based network of 26 centers, the first having opened in 1996, has garnered international attention for innovative architecture, in an orchestrated synthesis of built form with the therapeutic affordances of nature. A Maggie's Center is a distinct community-based healthcare building type for the provision of non-hospital-based counseling and related wellness treatment for women diagnosed with cancer and others coping with cancer. These centers have been built on two continents and typically designed by internationally renowned architects. Numerous peer-reviewed published studies have addressed these centers' social, behavioral, and physical environment attributes and qualities through a broad-based post-occupancy assessment lens. It is hypothesized that this research collectively has been, to date, insufficiently rigorous, methodologically. This may account, to a certain extent, for why the medical establishment in North America has not yet grasped the healing and spiritual affordances of the Maggie's concept nor the attempt to uniquely incorporate architecture as a therapeutic modality. In response, three interdependent influencing factors (determinants) are presented with respect to three core constituencies of the Maggie's Centre concept with the aim of stimulating further discourse. The evidence-based health design research community, laypersons, cancer patients, survivors, and others suffering from sickness and disease, together with the medical community, can collectively foster further acceptance of this innovative building type for health.</p>","PeriodicalId":47306,"journal":{"name":"Herd-Health Environments Research & Design Journal","volume":" ","pages":"119-128"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12987995/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145702479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"What Shapes Telehealth? The Role of Environment and Technology in Communication Quality.","authors":"Farzane Omidi, Debajyoti Pati","doi":"10.1177/19375867251396068","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19375867251396068","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveThis paper explores the role of patient-provider communication (PPC) in healthcare quality, examines how communication dynamics are influenced in telehealth settings, reviews physical environment factors affecting virtual interactions, and identifies research gaps to guide future improvements in telehealth services.BackgroundWhile PPC is a well-established determinant of healthcare quality, the telehealth context introduces new challenges due to the absence of a shared physical space. Communication dynamics are altered by the loss of nonverbal cues, technical disruptions, environmental design limitations, and changes in interaction structure. These factors collectively affect PPC in virtual settings.MethodsA scoping review was employed, focusing on peer-reviewed articles addressing PPC, telehealth communication, environmental factors, and technological influences. Thematic synthesis identified key environmental and technological variables impacting communication quality.ResultsFindings reveal that physical environment factors and technology affect communication dynamics, patient engagement, and satisfaction in telehealth settings. Despite growing recognition of issues in these domains, physical environment and technology variables are still treated as secondary considerations rather than integral parts of the communication environment. A novel conceptual framework is proposed, identifying three interconnected environments: the local user's physical environment, the remote user's physical environment, and the digital environment-which, unlike the others, is directly moderated by technology.ConclusionsPhysical environment and technology factors shape PPC in telehealth, influencing user perceptions and engagement. Greater attention to these elements is essential for optimizing telehealth service quality and improving patient outcomes. Future research should systematically investigate how physical environment and technology affect communication quality and healthcare delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":47306,"journal":{"name":"Herd-Health Environments Research & Design Journal","volume":" ","pages":"68-82"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145702435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Environmental Stressors and Adaptive Mechanisms in Long-Term Care Resident Bedrooms: A Canadian Case Study.","authors":"Alexandra Boissonneault, Terri Peters","doi":"10.1177/19375867251406198","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19375867251406198","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>AimThe aim of this research was to identify the adaptive comfort mechanisms available in resident bedrooms of a newly built long-term care (LTC) home in Ontario, Canada, and examine how these were used to manage environmental stressors.BackgroundLTC facilities house vulnerable populations susceptible to various stressors. While psychosocial stressors are well-documented, physical stressors caused by the indoor environment also significantly impact resident behavior and satisfaction.MethodThis study was nested within a larger mixed-methods postoccupancy evaluation. Methods included building walkthroughs, spot measurements, structured observations, staff and resident interviews, and an analysis of network sensor data extracted from building system reports.ResultsFew adaptive mechanisms were available to residents. Those that were-window blinds and adjustable thermostats-were being actively used to mitigate perceived environmental stressors. While light levels in resident bedrooms met minimum requirements, frequent use of blinds and reliance on artificial lighting diminished the benefits of daylight on health and well-being. Temperature trends indicated frequent fluctuation within the acceptable thresholds and greater sensitivity to heat than cold.ConclusionsPersonal control mechanisms play a critical role in enhancing resident comfort in LTC facilities. Despite meeting regulatory standards for indoor environment quality, blind and thermostat use revealed additional layers of environmental stressors that need to be addressed along with critical opportunities for further research. Limitations in the accessibility and usability of personal control devices for residents with mobility or cognitive impairments highlight significant areas for improvement in LTC design.</p>","PeriodicalId":47306,"journal":{"name":"Herd-Health Environments Research & Design Journal","volume":" ","pages":"150-164"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12988015/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145913339","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Restorative and Exploratory: Improvement Strategies for Hospital Outdoor Rest Space Based on a Walking Trajectory Experiment.","authors":"Weiyi Cui, Qingtao Li","doi":"10.1177/19375867251406533","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19375867251406533","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesThis study aims to improve the walking adaptability of hospital outdoor rest areas to enhance patients' and their family members' willingness to walk and restorative benefits. <b>Background:</b> Hospital outdoor rest areas are critical for promoting the physical and mental health of patients and their families (PATF). However, if these spaces are not designed with differentiated and targeted strategies that accommodate the diverse and extensive walking needs of users, their willingness to engage with the outdoor environment may be diminished.MethodsA walking tracking experiment was conducted to record the trajectories, speeds, distances, and durations of walks by PATF. In addition, two walking themes-restorative and exploratory-were introduced. The study compared the walking theme preferences across different demographic groups and examined the differences in behavioral parameters and spatial distribution associated with each theme.ResultsThe experimental results indicated that demographic attributes did not significantly influence the choice between the two walking themes. However, statistically significant differences were observed in walking distance and duration between two themes, with walking trajectories exhibiting a spatial distribution pattern characterized by a near-to-far gradient.ConclusionsThis study elucidates the differences and interrelationships between the two walking themes in hospital outdoor rest areas and proposes targeted spatial improvement strategies based on these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":47306,"journal":{"name":"Herd-Health Environments Research & Design Journal","volume":" ","pages":"237-257"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145991361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Parastoo Zali, Lori B McElroy, Mario Ettore Giardini, Kullapat Chaiyawat, Margaret Watson
{"title":"A Scoping Review of the Impact of Environmental Design on Wayfinding for People With Sensory Impairment.","authors":"Parastoo Zali, Lori B McElroy, Mario Ettore Giardini, Kullapat Chaiyawat, Margaret Watson","doi":"10.1177/19375867251391361","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19375867251391361","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PurposeThis review aimed to identify the environmental factors impacting wayfinding by people with sensory impairment (SI) and the perceived barriers and facilitators of those factors. In addition, the review explored design recommendations to improve the accessibility of built environments for this population.BackgroundWayfinding design is frequently misconceived as the implementation of signage, whereas it also involves spatial planning to facilitate intuitive navigation. Individuals with visual and hearing impairments face multiple accessibility challenges that could be tackled through user-centered design.MethodsA scoping review was conducted using standard methodology. Electronic databases were searched (Medline, Embase, APA PsycINFO, SCOPUS, Web of Science) from January 2000 to August 2023. Independent duplicate screening was performed for 10% of sources. The extracted data was analyzed using content analysis. A conceptual framework was developed to map the key environmental factors impacting the individual's wayfinding with SI.ResultsFrom the 3,716 records identified, 41 studies were included. Results were categorized into three domains of architectural, graphical, and sensory elements. Frequently cited architectural barriers included complex layouts, unclear circulation, nonstandard stairs, and the presence of obstacles. Regarding graphical elements, the nonstandard design or placement of signage was common. Key sensory challenges were related to insufficient lighting, low visual contrast, and the inappropriate selection of materials.ConclusionsThis review highlighted multiple environmental factors that influence wayfinding for people with SI. Policymakers, architects, and designers could use these results to eliminate barriers in the built environment and develop evidence-based design interventions addressing the access needs of this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":47306,"journal":{"name":"Herd-Health Environments Research & Design Journal","volume":" ","pages":"48-67"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12988013/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145565812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Environmental Influences on Blood Donation: Reducing Stress and Enhancing Motivation in Young Adults.","authors":"Minyoung Cerruti, Youngsoon Kim, Vahid Vahdat","doi":"10.1177/19375867251414968","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19375867251414968","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveThis study investigates how privacy, distraction, and comfort in blood donation environments affect donors' stress and motivation, addressing critical challenges posed by ongoing blood shortages.BackgroundThe reluctance to donate blood is associated with donors' experience exacerbated by stress during the donation process and the quality of the donation environment. Despite known physical environmental influences on patient well-being in healthcare settings, its influence within blood donation settings remains underexplored.MethodsUsing an online survey with a virtual visualization technique, 400 college-aged participants rated their preferences and emotional responses to eight simulated blood drive bus environment settings.ResultsSettings combining privacy, positive distraction, and comfort significantly reduced stress and increased motivation compared to those with fewer interventions. Female and less experienced donors (nondonors, first-timers) particularly benefited from enhanced comfort and distraction, reporting lower fear and greater positive emotions. Cultural differences also influenced experiences.ConclusionsFindings highlight the potential of well-designed blood donation environments to reduce stress and enhance motivation, especially among younger, female, and less experienced donors, improving donation experiences and addressing critical blood shortage.</p>","PeriodicalId":47306,"journal":{"name":"Herd-Health Environments Research & Design Journal","volume":" ","pages":"258-275"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146107488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hierarchical Spatial Design for Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinics: Healing Architecture Approach.","authors":"Wanting Zhang, Xuesong Guan, Adu-Gyamfi Asamoah","doi":"10.1177/19375867251396081","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19375867251396081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundResearch has demonstrated that therapeutic architectural spaces can significantly enhance patient treatment outcomes. However, current designs underutilize therapeutic potential due to three key limitations: poor environmental comfort, suboptimal health metrics, and weak cultural immersion.PurposeThis study develops a healing-oriented spatial design framework for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinics.MethodsForty-one requirements were identified through literature review, interviews, and WELL v2 standards, which were refined to 23 core needs based on environmental healing theory. The Kano model and Better-Worse coefficient analysis were applied to quantify their dual impacts on user satisfaction and health benefits.Results and ConclusionsThe four-layer design model comprises: (a) a Basic layer that strictly adheres to six essential requirements from TCM clinic standards; (b) an Enhanced layer that optimizes five performance-driven needs; (c) an Innovative layer that develops 11 culturally distinctive features; and (d) a Potential Optimization layer that formulates dynamic strategies for indifferent-type requirements. It provides the first quantitative tool for TCM clinic space design that integrates healing environment theory with TCM characteristics, highlights the value of the built environment as a nonpharmacological therapy, and promotes the paradigm shift of healthcare spaces from \"disease treatment\" to \"health promotion.\"</p>","PeriodicalId":47306,"journal":{"name":"Herd-Health Environments Research & Design Journal","volume":" ","pages":"102-118"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145811468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A Laberge, M Veillette, A Ayotte, M Taillefer, C Viscogliosi
{"title":"Characteristics and Effects of Outdoor Activities on People Living with a Major Neurocognitive Disorder: A Scoping Review.","authors":"A Laberge, M Veillette, A Ayotte, M Taillefer, C Viscogliosi","doi":"10.1177/19375867251412441","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19375867251412441","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesConsidering the lack of cure for MNCD, this article focuses on non-pharmacological interventions such as outdoor activities, their characteristics and their effects on behaviors, symptoms, quality of life, autonomy and cognitive functioning.BackgroundPeople living with major neurocognitive disorders (MNCD) may experience reactive behaviors, symptoms, decreased autonomy, quality of life and cognitive functioning. There is currently no treatment that can reverse or halt the cognitive decline resulting from MNCD.MethodsA scoping review was conducted using the method of Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and following PRISMA guidelines. AgeLine, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL Plus with Full Text and MEDLINE were used to conduct the literature search.ResultsMost outdoor activities identified in this study were: activities carried out in a garden (n=5); activities involving active participation (n=14); activities offering the possibility of being carried out in a group or individually (n=6); activities lasting less than an hour (n=7); and activities taking place in the participants' place of residence (n=13). Most of studies showed that outdoor activities were associated with positive impacts on overall mood (n=12). Several studies reported reduced agitation (n=7), improved cognitive functioning (n=5) and increased well-being (n=5) in participants undertaking various outdoor activities.ConclusionsOutdoor activities and the associated freedom to make decisions led to a range of benefits in the five categories that were studied. These benefits apply whether the activities are carried out in a group or individually, whether they are active or inactive, and whether they take place close to home. Future research would be relevant to specify the characteristics of the activities to be performed according to the desired benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":47306,"journal":{"name":"Herd-Health Environments Research & Design Journal","volume":" ","pages":"201-236"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12988020/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146214595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}