The Perceived Support From Light and Color Before and After an Evidence-Based Design Intervention in an Emergency Department Environment: A Quasi-Experimental Study

AIM: To evaluate patients’ and family members’ perceived support from light and color before, compared with after an evidence-based design (EBD) intervention at an emergency department (ED) using a validated instrument—the Light and Color Questionnaire (LCQ). BACKGROUND: EDs offer acute care day and night. Thus, a supportive physical environment where light and color is crucial for how the milieu is experienced is vital. Research is limited on how care settings are perceived as supportive by users. METHODS: Quasi-experimental evaluation of the refurbishing and remodeling of an ED by an expert group of nurse managers, nursing staff, nursing researchers and architects in south Sweden. LCQ includes dimensions “maximizing awareness and orientation,” “maximizing safety and security,” “supporting functional abilities,” “providing privacy,” “opportunities for personal control” (not for LCQ-Color), and “regulation and quality of stimulation.” LCQ was analyzed and compared in 400 surveys from 100 patients and 100 family members before the intervention and 100 patients and 100 family members after the intervention. RESULTS: The LCQ total score significantly improved after the intervention for both patients and family members. Four of the six dimensions of LCQ Light subscale scores were significantly higher for family members, and three of the six dimensions were significantly higher for patients after the intervention. The LCQ Color subscale score showed significant improvements for all five dimensions for both patients and family members after the intervention. CONCLUSION: This study showed improved perceived support from light and color in the physical environment for patients and family members after an EBD intervention at an emergency department using a validated instrument—the Light and Color Questionnaire.