INTERIOR SURFACING
Decision-making methods through a ‘hygienic lens’
This article underscores the importance of selecting appropriate hygienic surfacing materials for hospitals in the fight against healthcare-associated infections. It discusses some of the available decision-making methods as systematic approaches to aid designers in material selection, ‘ultimately promoting patient well- being and effective healthcare delivery’. Mohanad Abobakr, a healthcare architect and researcher at the University of Huddersfield, explores some of the key considerations.
The selection of hygienic interior surfaces and architectural materials plays an important part in preventing healthcare- associated infections in hospital settings. This article highlights the importance of using hygienic surfacing materials in healthcare facilities, discusses such materials’ intrinsic qualities, and examines the key factors to consider when selecting them – from their durability, resistance to damage, and ease of cleaning and maintenance, to their aesthetics and cost- effectiveness. I also discuss the current methods
used by designers to choose hygienic interior surfaces for hospitals, and the use of the Choosing by Advantages (CBA) method to make an optimal choice. I emphasise the need for a systematic approach to decision-making, and the
importance of considering multiple factors when choosing surfacing materials to create a safe and functional healthcare environment that contributes to patient wellbeing and effective healthcare delivery. Healthcare facilities, and especially hospitals, play a critical part in maintaining public health by providing medical care and treatment. However, they are also susceptible to the spread of infections, which poses a significant risk to patients and staff. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) continue to be a significant challenge for healthcare facilities worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 10 patients in developed countries will acquire an HAI during their hospital stay,1
while an estimated 1.4 million
people worldwide are affected by hospital- acquired infections at any given time.2
A crucial activity for good patient outcomes The prevention and control of HAIs are crucial for improving patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and minimising outbreak risk. Several other factors can play a significant role in preventing and mitigating infection spread in healthcare facilities – for example, promoting proper hand hygiene, effective cleaning and disinfection protocols, adequate ventilation, and ensuring that staff use personal protective equipment (PPE) properly. Healthcare facilities should also implement effective infection prevention and control measures, conduct regular staff training, and raise awareness among patients and visitors of the significance of infection control measures. Selecting hygienic surfacing materials
Figure 1: A schematic diagram of some of the key built environment hygiene features to consider incorporating in a hospital setting. March 2024 Health Estate Journal 57
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85
