Given that working conditions comprise a major factor in job satisfaction among RNs(2) as well as all healthcare providers, a positive building environment can play an important role in how healthcare delivery personnel feel about their jobs.  Providing supportive positive working conditions, including building layout, temperature, lighting, noise, and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can therefore contribute to the ability of medical personnel to perform their work well and maintain high morale.

To create and maintain building environments that support the highest possible levels of healthcare delivery – as well as overall professional staff satisfaction –focus on efficiently providing indoor comfort and proper Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

IAQ affects healthcare staff satisfaction in several ways.  Improving IAQ, including proper air exchange, air flow and filtration, can contribute to lower rates of nosocomial infections, which results in longer patient stays and higher work loads for already stressed staff.   Better IAQ also benefits hospital personnel by helping to reduce their risk of contracting infections such as tuberculosis.

For proper IAQ, hospital ventilation and filtration systems must meet strict standards. Look to guidelines set out by The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the Joint Commission (JCAHO).

Temperature and Humidity

When regulating temperature and humidity, priorities must address patient health and healing as well as staff working conditions.  For example, in the operating room, set temperatures to suit the procedure being performed and materials used – as well as the personnel involved.  Surgeons and support staff often need to concentrate for long hours wearing layers of protective clothing and sub-optimal temperatures can lead to significant discomfort and sweating.

Consider that different spaces may also warrant specific requirements. Patient rooms will generally require warmer temperatures than surgical suites.  Ensure that the design – and control of – healthcare HVAC systems will allow both the precise, and customized, temperature control throughout the facility.

Noise and Light

In addition to air quality, temperature and humidity, noise can also directly affect the hospital atmosphere, impacting both workers and patients.  High noise levels can add to stress. Building equipment, including HVAC systems, should be selected and designed for minimal noise output.

Poor lighting has been linked to patient depression and medication errors (Designing, 2004). Hospitals can incorporate technologies, such as highly efficient fluorescent lighting, to achieve proper conditions for staff while saving energy. Lighting systems can be integrated in overall building automation environmental management solutions to provide centralized control as well as improve energy management and efficiency.

Centralized Monitoring and Reporting

In launching the industry’s Critical Hospital Systems Dashboard, Trane has provided hospital administrators and engineers with a tool that will not only save time and money by providing detailed environment of care documentation for Joint Commission reporting, but also allows hospital staff to continuously view, monitor, track, trend and report environmental conditions in all critical areas from a single location.  The Dashboard provides an immediate alarm signal if any critical parameter is exceeded so that staff may take immediate action to correct the situation.

Quality Staff and Environment

Improving patient outcomes can be a direct benefit of raising job satisfaction and lowering turnover among healthcare professionals.  Creating healthy, efficient, and comfortable hospital buildings is an integral element of achieving staff satisfaction and retention – worthy of ongoing attention, investment, and improvement.

By Melissa Rieman, Healthcare Market Leader, TRANE