Evaluating Innovative Design Strategies in a Maternity Unit: A Post-Occupancy Evaluation Approach

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Design
• Evidence-Based Design
• Post-Occupancy Evaluation

Background:

• Limited long-term evaluations of hospital maternity unit design performance exist.
• Maternity units balance clinical efficiency with family-centered care needs.
• This study addresses the gap using a perception-based Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE).

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of innovative design strategies in a maternity unit 3 years post-occupancy.
• Identify areas for design improvement.
• Demonstrate the value of perception-based POE for actionable insights without baseline data.

Main Methods:

• Convergent mixed-methods approach: structured observations, noise level measurements, focus groups, online staff survey.
• Participants: nursing staff with direct unit engagement.
• Data analysis: separate quantitative and qualitative analysis, followed by triangulation.

Main Results:

• Decentralized nursing stations improved responsiveness but reduced informal communication.
• Integrated Labor-Delivery-Recovery-Postpartum/Neonatal Intensive Care Unit rooms supported care continuity.
• Lighting design created a calming atmosphere; acoustic outcomes were mixed.

Conclusions:

• The maternity unit achieved key design goals in lighting, spatial efficiency, and family-centered care.
• Areas for improvement include staff communication, workspace ergonomics, and supply accessibility.
• Perception-based POE with triangulation is valuable for informing future healthcare design.