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Design for Palliative Care

Patient and Family Preferences for the Design of a Palliative Care Unit

April 1, 2008 / Dochitect / Design for Palliative Care

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Publication: World Health Design
Publication Reference: 2008;1(1):62-67.
Author: Diana Anderson, MArch, MD Candidate, Class of 2008, University of Toronto
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2008_PALL-CARE-COVERThe primary purpose of this qualitative study was to identify what palliative care patients and their families perceive to be important elements in the design of a palliative care unit (PCU) for end-of-life care. Secondary objectives included exploring whether differences in preferences and perceptions exist between patients and family members. This study looked at the palliative care population of Bridgepoint Hospital in Toronto, Canada, and evaluated patient and family preferences for room design and layout, as well as preference for private versus shared accommodations.

Click here to view the study which includes patient and family room preferences towards the end of life, in addition to palliative care unit design recommendations.

Additional Press:

Note This study, “Patient and Family Preferences for the Design of a Palliative Care Unit,” was presented at the Design & Health 5th World Congress and Exhibition: International Academy for Design and Health, Glasgow, Scotland. June 30, 2007.

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Conference Presentations, Peer-Reviewed Publications

The Palliative Care Unit: Does Room Design Matter?

April 1, 2008 / Dochitect / Design for Palliative Care

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Publication: University of Toronto Medical Journal
Publication Date: 2007;84(3):183-189.
Author: Diana Anderson, B.Sc., M.Arch.
View article

Abstract

2009_UTMJ COVERObjectives: The primary purpose of this needs assessment study, which looked at the palliative care population of Bridgepoint Hospital, Toronto, was to describe what patients and their families perceive to be important elements in the design of a hospital palliative care unit (PCU) for end-of-life care.

Methods: Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted (six patients and six family members), using a set of nine standard questions. The qualitative philosophy of phenomenology was used for data analysis. Themes identified were grouped into two categories: I) External Reality and II) Internal Experience.

Results: In the External Reality category, participants identified eight themes: room size, noise, light, storage, temperature, colour, washrooms, and social spaces. Families identified additional factors: ventilation, furniture and hallways as social spaces. In the Internal Experience category, both groups identified privacy and autonomy. Shared rooms were mentioned in reference to companionship, social interaction, patient compatibility, visitor experiences and observing the dying process. Family members felt that room type should be based on the stage of illness, and expressed a need for spaces that promote participation in care.

Conclusions: Patients and their family members defined key issues related to end-of-life care and the physical environment. The preferences of both patients and their families demonstrate the need for a sensitive design approach to an environment for the terminally ill – one that provides a variety of private and social spaces.

Peer-Reviewed Publications

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