Towards Healing Environments in Healthcare Facilities: A Tool for Assessing the Extent to Which of the Built Environment Supports Psychosocial Well-Being in Saudi Arabian Government Hospitals

Abstract

Background: During the post-war period, hospitals were primarily built with a functional approach, prioritising the provision of medical treatment while ignoring the psychological needs of patients. Since the 1980s, there has been a progressive shift in focus towards more psychologically supportive hospitals. The shift was a result of a growing body of research and theories that aimed to understand the relationship between the built environment and patients’ health outcomes. The proposal of the Theory of Supportive Design by Roger Ulrich has paved the way towards the promotion of psychosocial well-being through the provision of positive distraction, social support, and a sense of control. Problem: In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Health has adopted a patient-centred approach since 2010, aligning with the global movement towards humanising health. Furthermore, the government has announced the 2030 National Vision, with one of its goals being to offer a fulfilling and healthy life by improving healthcare services. Government hospitals are the largest providers of healthcare services, accounting for around 82% of the overall services. However, many of these hospitals were built after the post-war functional hospitals. Due to the high reliance upon them, the process of re-rebuilding or renovation poses considerable challenges; therefore, moderate changes might be the most feasible scenario under these conditions. Aim: The aim of this study is to develop a tool to assess the extent to which the physical environment supports the psychosocial well-being of patients in Saudi Arabian government hospitals. The new tool is an application of Supportive Design theory, using the best available evidence acquired through evidence mapping. It serves as a means of putting theory into practice. This tool would help to draw attention to deficiencies and potentials inside each hospital and inform future tailored plans of re-rebuilding or renovation endeavours.