Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 14, 2025

Methodology for Establishing a Community-Wide Life Laboratory for Capturing Unobtrusive and Continuous Remote Activity and Health Data
Published on: July 27, 2018
The Continuous Learning Cycle: A Multi-phase Post-occupancy Evaluation (POE) of Decentralized Nursing Unit Design
1Department of Architecture, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
Multiphase postoccupancy evaluations (POE) integrated lessons learned across projects. This continuous learning cycle improved patient room design, satisfaction, and visibility in new hospital units.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare design research
- Building performance evaluation
- Continuous quality improvement in healthcare facilities
Background:
- Postoccupancy evaluation (POE) is crucial for healthcare design, yet knowledge application remains underreported.
- Few studies detail how POE findings inform subsequent architectural designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the integration of multiphase postoccupancy evaluation (POE) research into multiple projects.
- To establish a continuous learning cycle for healthcare facility design improvement.
Main Methods:
- A 3-year, multiphase, multisite POE across three hospital units.
- Utilized standardized POE tools, space syntax analysis for visibility, and patient satisfaction data (Press Ganey).
- Compared existing (Unit A), innovative (Unit B), and expanded (Unit C) units.
Main Results:
- Unit C, informed by Phase I POE lessons, showed improved patient room design ratings.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction and better visibility in nurse work areas were observed in Unit C compared to Units A and B.
- Multiphase POE facilitated targeted design improvements.
Conclusions:
- Multiphase, multisite POE with standardized tools is valuable for continuous design quality improvement.
- Demonstrates a successful model for applying POE knowledge in iterative healthcare facility development.
- Highlights the impact of evidence-based design on patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Related Concept Videos
Planning Nursing Care I
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching III: Evaluation and Documentation
Nurses can use several methods to evaluate patient outcomes. For example, oral questions can assess cognitive learning,...
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching II: Planning and Implementation
Nursing Evaluation
Planning Nursing Care II

