Characterizing the dynamic relationship between indoor PM2.5 and fine-grained healthcare performance: A data-driven
Yuhe Zhou1, Chenchen Tian2, Dehao Zou3
1Air Force Communication NCO Academy, Dalian, China; Institute of Systems Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|May 19, 2026
Summary
Indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) negatively impacts healthcare performance, with effects varying by season and department. Real-time monitoring reveals dynamic associations crucial for improving healthcare environments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Healthcare professionals spend over 90% of working hours indoors.
- Indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to cognitive and behavioral outcomes.
- Existing research on PM2.5 and healthcare performance lacks objective, long-term data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a real-time monitoring system for indoor PM2.5.
- To develop a fine-grained method for characterizing healthcare performance.
- To analyze the dynamic association between indoor PM2.5 and healthcare performance.
Main Methods:
- Continuous, real-time monitoring of indoor PM2.5 concentrations.
- Extraction of dynamic PM2.5 features and spatio-temporal heterogeneity.
- Progressive analysis from macro to micro levels, correlating PM2.5 with performance metrics.
Main Results:
- Indoor PM2.5 showed significant spatio-temporal variations (annual mean 31.29 μg/m³).
- A general negative association between indoor PM2.5 and healthcare performance was observed.
- The association was strongest in winter and in high-traffic areas like outpatient halls.
Conclusions:
- Indoor PM2.5 levels exhibit dynamic fluctuations influenced by building characteristics and human activities.
- Targeted strategies for indoor environmental management can enhance healthcare performance.
- Findings support data-driven decision-making for healthcare building optimization.
