THE THERAPEUTIC IMPACT OF COLOUR IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES DESIGNS

Abstract

Colour is an essential healthcare facility design element that results in psychological, physiological, and physical interactions with individuals in the healthcare sector. It has been used over the years, for necessary emotional and safety measures which help to improve patients, healthcare professional, and organisational outcomes. This research aims to identify and extensively analyse literature highlighting well-evidenced applications of colours in healthcare facility design to explore its therapeutic impact on patient recovery and effects on healthcare professionals. This need became necessary to find suitable solutions for patients who dislike their healthcare environment and feel powerless about it, leading to stress and subsequent reduced recovery time. The study method involved analysing ten colours in healthcare-related research work selected through three phases using appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria. Findings from these reviewed research works were recorded and studied and used to design a scientific evidence-based colour design proposal for future healthcare environments designs to ensure that colour is effectively used within the hospital environment. The model for the quality improvement initiative was the Plan–Do–Study–Act cycles model. The module for improvement provided a flexible, adaptable approach well suited to investigate, develop and implement a learning mechanism from actions. The proposed intervention for the model included developing workable systems for the discussed themes and outcomes to be integrated into the planning of healthcare facility designs. And to be successful in this, there most be cordial relationship and collaboration between all users of the healthcare facility recruited for the study. Results from the implementation of the proposal are expected to effectively see to it that every healthcare facility user can assess the therapeutic effect of colour and that future design of healthcare facilities would have a dependable and reliable evidence-based template to plan, monitor and execute their project.