Are We Speaking the Same Language? Terminology Consistency in EBD

Area of Science:

• Environmental psychology
• Health services research
• Architecture and health

Background:

• Evidence-based design (EBD) research relies on consistent terminology to link architectural variables (AVs) with health outcomes.
• Existing EBD literature may use diverse terms, potentially causing confusion and hindering knowledge synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the consistency, variability, and standardization potential of terminology for architectural variables (AVs) and health outcomes in EBD studies.
• To identify representative terms and their frequencies for AVs and health outcomes, particularly for individuals with dementia.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of 105 publications from three large systematic reviews was conducted.
• Terms for AVs and health outcomes were extracted and analyzed for frequency.
• Statistical tests (chi-squared, post hoc) were used to compare term distributions.

Main Results:

• Variability in terminology for AVs and health outcomes within EBD was identified, especially in dementia-friendly design.
• Analysis revealed patterns in term frequency and distribution, indicating areas ripe for standardization.

Conclusions:

• Standardized terminology in EBD is essential for improving communication, collaboration, and knowledge synthesis.
• A common language enhances research comparability, generalizability of findings, and the development of EBD guidelines.
• This study offers insights for achieving consensus on terminology among researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders in health environmental research.