Mapping Healthcare Spaces: A Systematic Scoping Review of Spatial and Behavioral Observation Methods

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Environments Research
• Spatial Observation Methods
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Spatial observation is crucial but resource-intensive in healthcare research.
• Existing literature lacks a comprehensive catalog of spatial and behavioral observation methods, their benefits, and limitations.
• Inconclusive results are common due to the resource-intensive nature of these methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a taxonomy of spatial observation methods used in healthcare environments research.
• To describe the relative success and limitations of various spatial observation techniques.
• To offer practical guidance for selecting appropriate spatial observation methods.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Searched ten key databases for relevant studies.
• Screened articles and categorized 79 reported observation methods into four distinct approaches.

Main Results:

• Identified four distinct methodological approaches for spatial observation in healthcare settings.
• Highlighted common limitations such as poor generalizability and inadequate recording of environmental variables.
• Found that combining observation with complementary methods like interviews yielded more concrete conclusions.

Conclusions:

• The success of spatial observation studies depends on method-question fit, healthcare setting, complementary methods, and analysis model.
• Researchers can use this taxonomy to select the most suitable spatial observation methods.
• Proper method selection is vital for generating conclusive results in healthcare environments research.