The Impact of Interior Design on Hospital Cleaning: Can Good Design Decisions Help Cleaning Staff Achieve Better Outcomes?

Authors

Julia Graves Williams, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

Spring 5-2012

Comments

A THESIS Presented to the Faculty of The Graduate College at the University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements For the Degree of Master of Science, Major: Architecture, Under the Supervision of Professor Betsy S. Gabb. Lincoln, Nebraska: May, 2012

Copyright (c) 2012 Julia Graves Williams

Abstract

Evidence- based design is commonly recognized as the best practice for the interior design of healthcare facilities. Research indicates that careful planning and design can have a positive effect on hospital staff and patient outcome. However, there is a lack of existing research on how interior design effects the cleaning of healthcare facilities. More research is needed to determine the impact of interior design specifically on the cleaning and maintenance personnel of our hospitals and clinics. If designers can make the important job of cleaning and disinfecting healthcare facilities easier then healthcare acquired infections can be reduced saving lives and billions of dollars per year.

Advisor: Betsy S. Gabb