Evaluation of the built environment: staff and family satisfaction pre- and post-occupancy of the Children's Hospital.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the impact of an existing and newly built hospital environment on family and staff satisfaction related to light, noise, temperature, aesthetics, and amenities, as well as safety, security, and privacy.

Background: The United States is engaged in an unprecedented healthcare building boom driven by the need to replace aging facilities, understand the impact of the built environment on quality and safety, incorporate rapidly emerging technologies, and enhance patient- and family-centered care. More importantly, there is heightened attention to creating optimal physical environments to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients, families, and staff.