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.

Methods: Using a pre-post descriptive survey design, all nursing, social work, therapy staff, and families on selected inpatient units were invited to participate. A demographic form and Family and Staff Satisfaction Surveys were developed and administered pre- and post-occupancy of the new facility.

Results: Pre/post mean scores for staff satisfaction improved on all survey subscales with statistically significant improvement (p < .05) in most areas. The most improvement was seen with layout of the patient room, natural light, storage and writing surfaces, and comfort and appeal. Family satisfaction demonstrated statistically significant improvement on all subscales (p ≤ .01), especially for natural light, quiet space, parking, and the child's room as a healing environment.

Conclusions: Families and staff reported greater satisfaction with the newly built hospital environment compared to the old facility. Study results will help guide future architectural design decisions, attract and retain staff at a world-class facility, and create the most effective healing environments.