Environmental Physical and Perceived Quality in Hospice

Area of Science:

• Architecture
• Environmental Psychology
• Healthcare Design

Background:

• Limited research exists on post-occupancy evaluations (POEs) in hospice settings.
• The impact of environmental factors on patient psychoemotional responses in hospices is under-investigated.
• Key elements defining hospice architectural quality from users' perspectives require further exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply post-occupancy evaluation (POE) methodologies to palliative-hospice care facilities.
• To assess physical-spatial qualities that meet the psychological needs of patients and families.
• To inform architectural quality improvements in new hospice projects and renovations.

Main Methods:

• A POE was conducted on a sample of Italian hospices.
• Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to patients and their relatives.
• Validated hospital environment quality indicators were adapted for hospice-specific features.

Main Results:

• Identified key architectural quality indicators most valued by users.
• Verified the reliability of these indicators and assessed average quality levels.
• Highlighted recurring shortcomings in usability, outdoor acoustic comfort, indoor shared space comfort, and artificial lighting.

Conclusions:

• The study generated novel insights into hospice environments.
• Confirmed the efficacy of POEs for both purchasers and designers in healthcare.
• Results provide a basis for recalibrating building programs, layouts, and technical solutions for hospices.