Understanding a Wayfinding Problem in Hospitals : Insights from a Representative Survey
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Design for Health |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| web | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/24735132.2025.2570563?src=exp-la#abstract |
| Doi | https://doi.org/10.1080/24735132.2025.2570563 |
| Keywords | hospitals; wayfinding; survey¨ |
| Description | Wayfinding in hospitals presents a critical challenge, significantly affecting patient experience, operational efficiency, and safety. This study explores wayfinding issues through a mixed-methods approach to representative survey of 1,041 respondents, combining a quantitative descriptive analysis with qualitative thematic analysis. Findings reveal that 47% of respondents experience minor or major difficulties navigating hospital environments, with challenges disproportionately affecting older adults and individuals with lower educational attainment. Key issues identified include unclear signage, illegible navigation elements, and the complexity of hospital layouts, resulting in delays, stress, and, in some cases, compromised healthcare. The study introduces a model of problematic wayfinding situations, emphasizing the interplay of individual abilities, environmental complexity, and effective navigation strategies, such as reliance on digital tools or assistance from companions. While the study highlights significant systemic challenges, it also underscores the importance of user-centred, adaptive approaches to hospital wayfinding design. This research provides an evidence base for the development of locally embedded methodology to address wayfinding in healthcare facilities. |
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