SoLiDe – ICU (Sound and Light Design in Intensive Care Units)
Short description
In this project, we explore the relationship between the design of the intensive care room, the quality of care, and the work environment and well-being of the staff. The aim of the project is to generate knowledge that can lead to well-founded improvements and decision-making in the design of future intensive care units. Intensive care not only requires high-quality medical care but also a functional built environment where care can be provided in a safe and secure manner. The project is a step towards better understanding the complex factors that influence the design of care environments and their direct and indirect consequences for various stakeholders.
Safer and Healthier Work Environments in Intensive Care
This interdisciplinary research project aims to improve the physical environment in intensive care units (ICUs). By studying how factors such as sound, light and spatial design affect staff health, stress levels and ability to deliver safe, person-centred care, the project seeks to create a healthier and safer workplace – and, ultimately, a new standard for the design of technology-dense healthcare environments.
A complex care environment
Research shows that the physical environment in ICUs affects not only the wellbeing of patients and relatives but also the working conditions for staff. Despite major technological and medical advances, the challenge remains to design environments that support safe and person-centred care.
Environmental factors such as lighting, sound and spatial layout have a direct impact on health, stress and performance. Understanding these relationships is essential to improve both staff wellbeing and patient safety.
Project goals
By exploring how sound, light and spatial design interact with staff health, the project will generate evidence on how environmental factors influence wellbeing and work performance. Specific objectives include studying how light levels affect visual comfort, circadian rhythm and alertness, and identifying stress- and interruption-related factors through physiological measurements, surveys and interviews.
Expected outcomes
The project will provide an evidence-based foundation for designing healthier and safer ICU environments. The overall aim is to reduce stress among staff, enhance working conditions and improve the quality of care for critically ill patients.
Implementation
The study will be conducted at the Central Intensive Care Unit (CIVA) at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, which employs around 200 staff members and is scheduled to move into new facilities around 2030. Relocating to a new ICU represents a major challenge that requires careful mapping and planning to ensure safe, high-quality care in an environment that supports both patient and staff wellbeing.
Project structure
The project, SoLiDe-ICU (Sound, Light, Design in ICU), follows a pre–post design with four main phases:
- Current state assessment – mapping sound and light levels, interior design and staff health using physiological measures (e.g. cortisol, HRV, skin conductance), surveys and interviews.
- Intervention design – developing and testing design proposals in collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology and the Centre for Healthcare Architecture (CVA).
- Implementation – applying the design interventions in the new ICU.
- Evaluation – assessing the effects of interventions at 6, 12 and 24 months after relocation.
Impact
By identifying, analysing and implementing evidence-based improvements, the project aims to contribute to safer, more effective and more sustainable care for both patients and healthcare professionals.
This project is affiliated to GPCC