Exploration of lighting controllability : using design simulation in pre-operating and post-operating rooms

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Caylin A. Prillaman (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Constance McKoy

Abstract: With advancements in technology and practices in the medical field, there has been an upward trend toward outpatient services in the last decade. This shift has also been driven by the cost of services, patient preferences, and government incentives (Growth in Outpatient Care, 2018). A few types of outpatient facilities are, but are not limited to surgical centers, urgent care, imaging centers, general outpatient, and physical therapy centers. Additionally, healthcare in the United States of America is one of the most lucrative industries within our great nation. According to the Centers for Medicare And Medicaid Services, 19.7 percent of the United States Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020 and projected to represent 30 percent of the GDP by the year 2030 (REIS, 2023). Furthermore, investor-owned and for-profit healthcare organizations dominate this industry which has caused rapid growth in the last 20 years. With this being such a lucrative industry that is predominately for-profit, it has brought forth a new set of challenges, such as the overall interest, values, ideals, and practices of these organizations (Health Care & Gray, 1986). The aim of this study is not to dismiss outpatient services but rather to investigate design flaws within outpatient surgical centers that may have been overlooked during the boom of this healthcare facility type. Outpatient services will continue to grow and evolve just as technology and research continue to advance. Therefore, the built environment that these services take place in should also continue to advance towards a more patient-centered environment that cultivates healing.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2023
Keywords
Controllability, Flexibility, Lighting, Outpatient, Patient-Centered, Surgical Centers
Subjects
Surgical clinics $x Lighting
Patient-centered health care

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