Evaluating Environmental Ward Performance: Insights From Acoustic, Lighting, and Temperature Monitoring in a Palliative Care Unit

The physical environment of inpatient wards plays a critical role in supporting rest and care delivery. In palliative care, environmental conditions such as sound, lighting, and temperature directly influence patient comfort, circadian rhythms, and staff performance. However, few studies have quantitatively assessed these factors in functioning palliative care units (PCUs).ObjectivesTo evaluate the spatial and environmental performance of an acute PCU through sensor-based monitoring of acoustic exposure, light levels, and temperature.MethodA postoccupancy evaluation approach was employed to assess conditions within inpatient rooms. Environmental loggers recorded data continuously at 1-min intervals across two 1-month periods. Parameters included sound levels (Lmax, Leq, Lmin in A-weighted decibels) to reflect perceived loudness, lighting (lux), and temperature (°C). Measurements were benchmarked against World Health Organization and Australian guidelines for sleep-supportive healthcare environments. Data were collected from both single- and multibed rooms in a metropolitan tertiary hospital PCU.ResultsSound levels frequently exceeded recommended thresholds. Nighttime averages reached 54 dB(A), while daytime LAeq exceeded 60 dB(A), with minimal day-night variation (<6 dB), indicating sustained exposure. Lighting data showed repeated nighttime spikes above 20 lux and insufficient daytime illumination for circadian regulation. Temperature exhibited minimal diurnal variation (<2°C), falling short of conditions known to support sleep.ConclusionEnvironmental monitoring revealed persistent deviations from sleep-supportive conditions. These stressors likely impact both patient well-being and staff performance. Findings underscore the need for evidence-based design strategies and translational research that position the built environment as an active contributor to holistic care. In palliative contexts, architectural design should enable rather than simply contain clinical practice.