Synopsis

Across time and culture, from the earliest teachings of Hippocrates, the role of ‘environment’ as a contextual factor of healing has been both foundational and explicit. Despite this enlightened heritage, ‘environment’, and its design, frequently exists below the level of conscious awareness among key decision makers, with perception of environment often limited to functional ‘places’ of intervention.

Growing attention to ‘environment’ and its design presents an opportunity for fostering a deeper understanding of ‘environment’ as being integral to the quality of the service experience for both recipient and provider [staff], and a key enabler of service user satisfaction and treatment outcomes.

This shift reflects the emerging recognition of the synergy between physical, psychological, and social factors which contribute to co-creating health environments as supportive places of healing, in which every contact counts. The shift is supported by the growing body of research evidence, demonstrating the contribution of environmental factors in enhancing service user satisfaction, the work experience of staff, and improved treatment outcomes.

This paper will present a broadened view, [the perceptual shift], of ‘environment’ within a health and social care context and broaden the perspectives through which it’s effectiveness is considered. While drawing upon empirical evidence, emphasis will be placed on practical application of theory to practice.