Key Points to Design an Orthopedic Specialty Hospital; Implementation of Green Building Standards to Optimize Performance of Orthopedic Units

Document Type : LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Authors

1 Department of Architecture, Semnan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran

2 Faculty of Architecture & Urban Planning, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

3 Faculty of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

4 Energy and Sustainable Development Research Center, Semnan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran

5 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Orthopedic Specialty hospitals (OSHs) provide a larger surgical volume, while improving operative time and length of stay of patients, compared with general hospitals. It has been shown that adverse outcomes are less common in OSHs rather than in general hospitals. The main tips for designing OSHs extracted from the eight selected GB`s guidelines include Indoor environment quality (IEQ) items, ergonomic designing, site selection and surrounding land, climate-responsive designing, access to public transportation, ease of access for patients with ambulation disabilities, well-designed and efficient layout, adjustable features, patient flow optimization, dedicated imaging and X-ray areas, well-designed examination rooms, rehabilitation spaces, supportive flooring, lighting, patient-friendly amenities, Infection control measures, uneven surfaces, elevators, casting rooms, operating rooms and telemedicine. By prioritizing site selection to energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality and healing outdoor spaces, OSHs can minimize their ecological footprint, create healing environments, and promote the well-being of patients, staff, and visitors.

Keywords


1. Fornara F, Bonaiuto M, Bonnes M. Perceived hospital environment quality indicators: A study of orthopaedic units. Journal of Environmental Psychology. 2006; 26(4):321-334. doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2006.07.003.
2. Evans GW, McCoy JM. When buildings don’t work: The role of architecture in human health. Journal of Environmental Psychology. 1998; 18(1):85-94. doi: 10.1006/jevp.1998.0089.
3. Leider M, Campbell R, Boyce J, Tjoumakaris F. Orthopaedic Specialty Hospitals Compared with General Hospitals. JBJS Rev. 2021; 9(8). doi: 10.2106/jbjs.rvw.20.00093.
4. Schneider JE, Ohsfeldt RL, Morrisey MA, Li P, Miller TR, Zelner BA. Effects of Specialty Hospitals on the Financial Performance of General Hospitals, 1997–2004. Inquiry.2007; 44(3):321-34. doi: 10.5034/inquiryjrnl_44.3.321.
5. Setyowati E, Harani AR, Falah YN. Green building design concepts of healthcare facilities on the orthopedic hospital in the tropics. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences. 2013; 101:189-99. doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.07.192.
6. Mirzaei N, Kamelnia H, Islami SG, Kamyabi S, Assadi SN. The Impact of Indoor Environmental Quality of Green Buildings on Occupants’ Health and Satisfaction: A systematic review. Journal of Community Health Research. 2020; 10(9). doi: 10.18502/jchr.v9i1.2574.
7. Zaher NH. Design solutions for interior architecture post coronavirus (COVID-19). Journal of Arts & Architecture Research Studies. 2020; 1(2):117-33. doi: 10.47436/jaarsfa.v1i2.71.
8. Sadek A, Nofal E. Effects of indoor environmental quality on occupant satisfaction in healing environments. InProceedings of Building Simulation Cairo 2013 Conference: Towards Sustainable & Green Life 2013 (pp. 348-358). Building Simulation Cairo.
9. Coleman H, Walshe C. What are the Emotional Experiences of Being a Volunteer in Palliative and End-of-Life Care Settings? A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis. J Pain Symptom Manage.2021; 62(3):e232-e247. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.02.025.
10. Castro MD, Mateus R, Bragança L. A critical analysis of building sustainability assessment methods for healthcare buildings. Environment, Development and Sustainability. 2015; 17:1381-412.doi:10.1007/s10668-014-9611-0.