The study discusses the design principles of healthcare facilities and their effect on the psychological state of the regular outpatients. The study is divided into two main sections; theoretical and applied research. Based on supportive design theories, the study conducts a set of non-physical design principles which have been examined on the research sample to set some recommendations to improve the design efficiency of this type of buildings and enhance the psychological state of user groups.
The theoretical research concerns about studying the characteristics of the indoor spaces of the oncology centers by testing some theoretical frameworks of supportive design process. Regarding to the modified theoretical framework, the observation was prepared and considered as the approach to the applied section as well as testing three different oncology centers.
The applied research relied on collecting information from its original sources through observation, personal interviews with specialists and oncologists, as well as questionnaires.
The study concluded to propose a set of non-physical and complementary design principles for the design elements of the premises of the oncology centers, in addition to determining the form of the reciprocal relationship between the design elements and the psychological state of the oncology patients. The environment surrounding the users must be psychologically and socially supportive. Chronic patients need support. Psychological problems of individuals around the family and friends to cope with the difficulties of the disease and the cruelty of treatment and the length of its duration, and that customs, traditions and cultural factors play a large role in the treatment process and opportunities for recovery.
The study recommended that the design of the oncology should be convenient with the social and cultural context, and that the indoor spaces should be furnished to allow patients act freely and control their personal choices. The study also recommended to pay attention to palliative care as a modern concept of treatment when designing new oncology centers or renewing the current ones. |
