Mock-ups as "interactive laboratories": mixed methods research using inpatient unit room mock-ups

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Design
• Evidence-Based Design
• Simulation in Architecture

Background:

• Simulation techniques, such as mock-ups, enable visualization of user-design interactions before construction.
• This study utilized inpatient room mock-ups as interactive environments for participatory, qualitative, and quantitative research within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish evidence-based design (EBD) guidelines for inpatient rooms in VA facilities.
• To leverage mock-ups as a simulation tool for refining EBD solutions specific to VA inpatient room standards.

Main Methods:

• Utilized mock-ups as an "interactive laboratory" for EBD solution development.
• Employed questionnaires, scenarios, on-demand modifications, and observations for evaluation.
• Engaged 71 participants including administrators, clinicians, and support staff from the VA healthcare system.

Main Results:

• EBD solutions were tested, evaluated, and modified for various inpatient room types.
• Validated solutions included patient bed location, headwall configuration, charting areas, clearance requirements, and amenities.
• Confirmed applicability of EBD solutions across multiple inpatient room types.

Conclusions:

• Mock-ups facilitated the evaluation and confirmation of EBD solutions for VA inpatient room standards.
• Mixed-methods research using mock-ups effectively integrated design and research processes.
• Findings contribute to both project-specific EBD solutions and the broader healthcare design knowledge base.