A qualitative study of out-patient ward design elements to reduce stress in medical staff

Purpose The purpose of this study is to build upon the research, Identifying Stress Reduction Factors in Built Environment Through Medical Staff Involvement (Waroonkun et al., 2024), by summarizing design improvements for outpatient ward working areas aimed at reducing medical staff stress. Through staff involvement and qualitative analysis of interview data, this research synthesized key concepts into an effective design guideline model. To ensure the consistency and practical implementation of these design data, the new model was subsequently evaluated by the same cohort of medical staff from the initial study. Design/methodology/approach This study comprised three stages: Designing the internal environment of medicine and paediatric out-patient wards, and incorporating the stress reduction factors identified in the preceding study. Conducting in-depth interviews with the original group of medical staff by using 3D renderings of the proposed designs, to ascertain their suitability for stress reduction. Developing design guidelines to serve as a model for future out-patient ward designs. Findings Three main themes were identified from the interviews analysis: Theme 1: Factors affecting efficiency at work, which includes accessibility, lighting/visibility; Theme 2: Factors affecting stress levels, which includes accessibility, optimizing spatial delineation and directional signage for effective navigation; and Theme 3: Factors conducive to relaxation, including relaxation area and recreation space in the paediatric ward. Originality/value This study builds upon previous research that compared medicine and paediatric out-patient ward designs at a public hospital, namely, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Its focus is on environmental improvements, specifically the physical environment factors that can reduce stress among medical staff. The designs, based on the previous study's findings, were refined through surveys with medical staff, to ensure they met their needs, while adhering to hospital design standards. This research is novel and unprecedented, because a continuation study focused on improving the physical environment within a Thai public hospital has never been done before.