Indigenous Preferences for Inpatient Rooms in Australian Hospitals: A Mixed-Methods Study in Cross-Cultural Design

This mixed-method study aimed to establish preliminary evidence for spatial and design features that can improve the experience and participation of Indigenous inpatients in healthcare.

Disadvantaged across a range of health measures, a disproportionately high number of Indigenous people leave hospital without receiving appropriate medical care. Australian government policies to improve cultural safety of Indigenous patients have largely ignored physical settings and their potential to improve health outcomes. Despite increasing evidence on the potential of design to reduce patient stress, there is minimal research on cross-cultural design in health facilities, including for Indigenous Australians.

A cross-sectional, area-based survey elicited design preferences of four healthcare settings from Indigenous participants (n = 602). On the screen-based survey, participants selected from paired images that indicated their preferences for room layout and features of inpatient rooms. Semistructured in-depth interviews (n = 55) explored meanings behind preferences.

Participants showed majority preferences for the two-bed patient room, for a balcony rather than a window only, Indigenous art, and view of a park over an urban environment. Analysis of qualitative data shifted the focus from Ulrich's three supportive design components to cultural recognition, the desire for company of family members, and connection to life outdoors.

Social and cultural factors were highly significant to patients for sense of control, family support, and positive distraction. In response, inpatient room size and type, views, access to outdoors and Indigenous art need to be considered in hospital design for Indigenous patients and families.