Exploring the Theory of Supportive Design from Patient Perspective

Background and Aim. Many patients experience anxiety during hospitalization. Hospital environments can support patients with the mitigation of anxiety. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of which design elements can affect sense of control, social support, and positive distraction, and gain more understanding of the mediating variables of anxiety-reducing effects of the physical inpatient room design.

Methods and Data. A qualitative study was conducted to further this theory. Data of this study were collected as part of a larger online survey. In this questionnaire, 539 participants filled in open-ended questions regarding their experiences and thoughts of the inpatient room design. Direct content analysis was conducted to analyze the data.

Findings. Findings suggest that the supportive role of design goes beyond sense of control, positive distraction, and social support, and that the role of a pleasant atmosphere should be included. Moreover, findings suggest that the theory of supportive design may benefit from further description and refinement with related concepts from environmental psychology.

Originality. This study emphasizes the importance of better understanding the spatially-induced psychological mechanism, and, by doing so, to increase the impact of the hospital environment on its users.

Practical Implications. The findings allow hospitals to better understand patient experience in single-bed inpatient rooms and to make better-informed decisions.