Re-examining Restoration Needs for Clinicians in Healthcare Environments

Healthcare environments are inherently stressful for patients, families, and healthcare teams alike. Recognising this, groundbreaking research has underscored the significance of incorporating nature scenes in healthcare spaces, demonstrating a correlation with faster recovery times for post-surgery patients. Similarly, exposure to outdoor scenes has been linked to reduced acute stress and decreased burnout among healthcare practitioners. Strategic considerations such as colour schemes, circulation configuration, and the quality of signage have proven effective in alleviating anxiety and confusion for patients and families during their navigation within healthcare facilities. The current landscape of research is dedicated to exploring innovative ways to mitigate stress, enhance workplace conditions, and create more bearable healthcare experiences. This involves a multidisciplinary approach encompassing all stakeholders in the healthcare system. This chapter aims to provide a concise literature review that delves into existing strategies for supportive physical design for clinicians within healthcare environments. By examining pertinent research, the chapter seeks to enlighten researchers and designers on theories, evidence-based strategies, and tools to enhance physical designs, ultimately contributing to the creation of efficient and restorative healthcare environments.