KJCKorea
Journal Central

Purpose: This study aims to examine the trends in healthcare architecture research by analyzing papers published in KIHA (Journal of the Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture) and HERD (Health Environments Research and Design Journal) in the USA. The analysis categorizes these papers into Evidence-Based Design (EBD) and non-EBD research from a comparative perspective. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted on 370 papers published in KIHA and 399 papers published in HERD from 2007 to 2022. The research trends were analyzed based on the researchers' fields of study, research focus, and research attributes. Results: The findings indicate that HERD involves researchers from 43 different fields, whereas KIHA involves researchers from 16 fields, indicating less diversity. HERD predominantly includes interdisciplinary and empirical studies, while KIHA primarily features theoretical and single-discipline studies. Papers in HERD generally demonstrate a higher level of evidence compared to those in KIHA. Implications: Direct comparisons should be approached with caution due to the differing contexts of healthcare architecture research in the two countries. The methodological efforts in HERD and the functional analysis results in KIHA provide valuable references for the future direction of healthcare architecture research. Expanding collaborative and interdisciplinary research involving various professionals is essential to advance the field.

Purpose: In general, cross-infection caused by bacteria occurs more in hospitals than in local communities. In most cases, infectious diseases spread through contact transmission (direct contact, indirect contact). This study tries to examine which places are most likely to detect infections bacteria and what materials should be used to effectively suppress the spread of infectious bacteria. Methods: Domestic and international literature have been reviewed to determine which bacteria are common and spread in which places. At the same time, antibacterial experiments for several finishing materials are performed to determine the survival period of bacteria for each material. The experiment is conducted mainly on antibiotic-resistant bacteria (MRSA, CRE, etc.) that have a high mortality rate and are very contagious. Results: MRSA has a high incidence in many hospital departments with surgery or immunocompromised patients, such as the elderly, organ transplant patients, and hemodialysis patients. There are experimental results that MRSA dies early in ceramics or silk wallpaper. CRE has a high incidence in hospital departments where there are many patients who are prone to bacteria entering the body directly, such as ventilator patients or critically ill patients with surgical wounds. There are experimental results that CRE dies early in silk wallpaper. In addition, bacteria die on the surface for a variety of reasons. Most MRSA and CRE develop in patients with impaired immunity or surgery, and rapidly die in copper or materials with antibacterial properties. Implications: If finishing materials surface with the ability to kill specific bacteria is used in the place where a large number of specific bacteria are detected, the spread of infectious diseases can be effectively controlled.

Purpose: The Hybrid care environment, combining interventional procedures and surgeries in one space, is crucial for managing complex diseases, responding to emergencies, and reducing recovery times and pain. This study provides foundational data for creating architectural guidelines for a Hybrid Operating Unit in a general hospital’s surgical department, focusing on cardiovascular care. Methods: The study analyzed the spatial and configuration types of the Vascular Angiography Unit and the Cardiac Operating Unit, which are the basic components of the Hybrid Operating Unit, through a literature review. Based on the initial research findings, interviews with experts were conducted. Results: In the Hybrid Operating Process, the study proposed spatial configuration alternatives that consider the positioning of medical staff and the types and arrangement changes of equipment, including Angiography, Heart-lung machines, and other surgical tools and instruments. Implications: The integration of the two units leads to increased diversity and demand for medical staff, equipment, and supplies during surgical and interventional procedures. Therefore, strategic spatial configurations and equipment placement are necessary to effectively respond to these needs.