The effects of user-generated design modifications in a general hospital

The present study investigated the effects of relatively minor design modifications in one wing of a local hospital on the organizational climate of the institution and the behavior of various user groups. Results showed that the changes had positive effects for patients and staff members on mood and morale and on the perceived quality of health care, while visitors reacted negatively to the modifications. Use of the more public areas of the experimental ward increased as a result of the alterations, especially in the evenings when more visitors were present. The positive effects occasionally spread to other wards as well.The research reported in this paper was funded by Grant SOC7508784 from the National Science Foundation.