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A Hospital Environment That Cares for Its Doctors: Minimizing Burnout Through

Hospital Architecture

Candice Huang

Flintridge Preparatory School

July 5, 2022
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Introduction

When doctors are sworn in, they take the Hippocratic Oath: Primum non nocere or “Do

no harm.” However, healthcare workers have the highest rate of suicide of any profession that

some have called it a “silent epidemic” (Do No Harm, 2018). Burnout, though less severe than

depression, can lead to suicidal thoughts and other mental health issues. About one-third of

physicians report that they have experienced burnout at some point in their professional life yet

little has been done to address this issue (Romani & Ashakr, 2014). Not only are healthcare

workers’ lives at stake, but patients’ lives are as well. Medical errors are the third leading cause

of deaths in hospitals in the United States. About 250,000 people die each year because of

mistakes made by doctors (Do No Harm, 2018). While it is clear that a systematic overhaul

needs to occur, such dramatic changes are often slow and difficult to implement.

Although architecture may not be able to solve the systematic issues in the hospital and

healthcare industry, it can alleviate symptoms of burnout by providing spaces and design

specifically targeting the well-being of doctors and nurses. By making sure healthcare

professionals are mentally and physically healthy, quality of patient care will also improve. A

new approach to hospital design that utilizes research based design, such as plenty of natural

light, proper ventilation, access to outdoor spaces, places to exercise, spaces for social

interaction, areas for physical and emotional respite, and acoustics, in conjunction with the

design concept of the Eudaimonia Machine will be considered in this new hospital design.

Therefore, the research question is: How can hospital architecture minimize burnout in

healthcare workers and promote greater work satisfaction?

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Background and Significance

Burnout and Its Impact on Physicians

Burnout is a type of extreme physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged

high-level stress. There are three main symptoms of burnout: emotional exhaustion,

depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment (Malasch, Schaufeli, & Leiter, 2001).

Emotional exhaustion is marked by a lack of enthusiasm for work and feelings of helplessness

and defeat (Romani & Ashkar, 2014). Depersonalization happens when healthcare professionals

begin to objectify patients and become indifferent to their work, oftentimes developing a

negative attitude towards their job. Low personal accomplishment causes a loss of interest in

work and withdrawal from responsibilities (Romani & Ashkar, 2014). In the medical field where

pressures are especially high and unpredictable, burnout is a recurring issue that must be

addressed because it can lead to medical errors, putting patient lives at stake (Romani & Ashkar,

2014). In a study conducted by Shanafelt et al. (2010), around 70% of surgeons blame individual

mistakes for their medical errors. The study concluded that there was a strong connection

between medical errors and burnout among surgeons (Shanafelt et al., 2010).

Often, burnout will occur well before healthcare workers even enter the field; it starts in

medical school, continues during residency, and progresses into their professional careers.

Burnout is also more likely to occur among trauma surgeons, general surgeons, and physicians

with children (Romani & Ashakr, 2014). As a result, the exhaustion of healthcare workers is

reflected in their performance and produces poorer patient care (Romani & Ashakr, 2014).

Though making changes to hospital design will not solve burnout among physicians, this method

could minimize the occurrence of burnout, thus improving their quality of life and healthcare

overall.
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Literature Review

Evidence-Based Design (EBD)

Evidence-based design utilizes research and data to inform the design of buildings rather

than relying on personal opinion or aesthetics. It combines the creative side of architecture with

empirical evidence when thinking about hospital design (Anderson, 2018). For example, Ulrich

et al.’s (2008) study revealed that in-hospital infections could be reduced if single-patient rooms

were used. In addition, views of nature could lower stress and daylight could help with circadian

rhythms, which are all important to prevent patient delirium and improve mood. Since the

hallmark study on evidence-based design in 1984 (Anderson, 2019; Berry et al., 2004), EBD has

become mainstream practice and is widely used when considering healthcare buildings. For

example, the Center for Health Design has partnered with various organizations to form Pebbles,

a design initiative based on EBD to provide researchers with a methodology and means to

scrutinize healthcare building design and its impact on patients (Berry et al., 2004). According to

Berry et al. (2004), evidence-based design methodology can be divided into three groups: stress

reduction, safety, and ecological health.

While it is true that healthcare patients have been the focus and beneficiaries of most of

the evidence-based design in medical settings, similar regard for their caretakers, healthcare

providers, has been largely absent in that same field. Additionally, while it is reasonable to

prioritize research on the treatment and care of patients, the quality of such treatment is directly

dependent on the well-being and efficiency of the providers themselves. Therefore, this study

will use evidence-based design to inform and embetter the design of future hospitals to ensure

that healthcare workers have a motivational and comfortable work environment.

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Importance of Good Hospital Design

Hospital design and architecture is essential for minimizing burnout among medical

workers. According to Philen (2017), the design of the environment can affect how comfortable

and safe a doctor feels about addressing his or her mental health. Poor design has proven to cause

distress for not only patients and their families, but medical professionals as well (Anderson,

2018). Part of the issue is that many hospital designs today do not complement the healthcare

worker's mission of promoting wellbeing. They are chaotic and stress-inducing environments:

constant noise, gloomy colors, and uncomfortable places for people to relax or rest (Anderson,

2018). Studies have shown that using natural colors and offering views of nature in hospitals

have stress-reducing qualities (Philen, 2017). Good design has proven to reduce medical errors

and improve the quality of patient care (Berry et al., 2004). Healthcare workers’ work

commitments make it challenging to consistently maintain work-life balance, such as exercise

and rest, which can have detrimental effects on their mental health. Hospitals should provide

resources that allow healthcare workers to conveniently access ways to maintain their wellness.

While it may seem that adding extra features to hospitals to minimize burnout and stress

will be very expensive, these spaces and resources will save costs in the long run. Reports have

shown that medical errors cost hospitals in the US around $17 to $29 billion a year (Anderson,

2018). In general, burnout related costs are estimated to be $125 to $190 billion in healthcare

spending (Timm et al., 2019). By investing into a hospital with better design, the healthcare

environment could become a place that promotes healing and comfort not only for patients, but

for healthcare workers as well. Good design indirectly enhances patient care through first

ensuring the well being of the healthcare providers, thereby improving the performance of

physicians and reducing costs caused by medical errors (Berry et al., 2004).
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Creating a Healing Environment in Hospitals

According to Kamali and Abbas (2012), a healing environment is defined as a place that

provides non-institutional amenities in healthcare. Many EBD studies have mentioned that there

are eight major factors that need to be addressed in order to reduce stress and burnout among

healthcare professionals. These include lighting, ventilation, access to outdoor spaces, physical

movement and workout, spaces for social interaction, spaces for emotional respite, acoustic

design, and spatial features and stimuli. By improving these factors, hospitals can help minimize

burnout by providing a healthy work environment.

Lighting

Lighting plays an important role in the wellbeing of hospital staff and patients. When

designing a building, a balance between natural lighting and artificial lighting are applied to

create a healing environment (Kamali & Abbas, 2012). Lighting has been shown to help regulate

circadian rhythms, reduce stress, decrease depression, improve mood and alertness, as well as

treat a variety of conditions among patients (Anderson, 2019; Kamali & Abbas, 2012). The use

of natural lighting is also important in a physical sense because the exposure to ultraviolet

radiation can eliminate germs and bacteria to prevent diseases from spreading (Al-Sarraf &

Alobaidi, 2020). In addition, more natural lighting in hospitals has been proven to increase

satisfaction in the work environment (Ulrich, Zimring, Quan, & Joseph, 2006).

Sometimes, it is not always possible to include a window or skylight that would allow

natural lighting into a room, so artificial lighting that mimics natural lighting can supplement this

need. For example, the Mount Sinai Health System emergency department in New York built

virtual skylights into the ceilings of their intensive care units. So even if there is no natural light,

the windows will simulate daytime and nighttime lighting to regulate circadian rhythms
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(Anderson, 2018). Although most people prefer natural light, providing artificial light can be just

as effective (Joseph, 2006). However, as Al-Sarraf and Alobaidi (2020) note, reducing the

amount of energy consumption during the day is becoming increasingly more important both

environmentally and economically.

When artificial lighting is used, the function of the space should be taken into

consideration. In a clinical setting, cool lights are preferred because they promote alertness and

provide a more accurate portrayal of tissue coloring. Whereas in areas of relaxation that require

less focus and energy, such as cafeterias, lounges, and call rooms, warm artificial lighting can be

used to help healthcare workers feel at ease. Depending on the needs of the situation, the lighting

in the rooms should adapt accordingly (J. Bidot-Betancourt, personal communication, May 16,

2022).

Ventilation

Ventilation is necessary in all types of buildings, especially hospitals where the air flow

could carry many different illnesses. Emergency rooms, waiting rooms, and the x-ray department

are often overcrowded and have little to no ventilation (Escombe et al., 2019). These areas are

also likely to contain patients with a range of illnesses that could be transferred through the air.

Simply opening windows will increase air circulation and reduce transmission risk of airborne

infections (Escombe et al., 2019). This method of natural ventilation comes at no costs; however,

it is hardly used in the hospital environment for the lack of control over temperature, humidity,

and purity of the air. In addition, allergies are also a concern especially if patients are allergic to

pollen or pollutants in the air. Even so, natural air is beneficial in both medical and mental

aspects. Fresh air not only reduces the chance of diseases spreading, but could also improve the

mental state of patients and physicians, reducing stress and burnout symptoms.
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Other than natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation is another technique hospitals can

use. Though the installation and maintenance of such systems will require some investments, this

gives control over the quality and temperature of the air (Escombe et al, 2019). Heating,

ventilation, and air conditioning are all mechanical ventilation systems that are safe and can

effectively minimize airborne contamination (Balocco, 2011). Research should be done on the

layout of the building to understand where the placement of air vents and other air purifying

mechanisms will be most effective in directing airflow. Unlike natural ventilation, the hospital

will have control over the temperature of mechanical ventilation systems and will not need to

worry about the purity or inconsistency of airflow.

Access to Outdoor Spaces

Access to natural environments is important for maintaining a healthy mind and reducing

stress. Studies have found that just viewing an image of nature for fifteen minutes restores

mindfulness in a person, calms the nervous system, and reduces strong emotions (Philen, 2017).

If access to outdoor space is limited, hospitals could alternatively create natural environments

within the building through courtyards or indoor gardens. The Scripps Memorial Hospital in San

Diego, for example, used donations to construct a healing garden in the interior of the hospital

with windows to connect the indoors and outdoors as a substitute for the lack of access to nature

(Berry et al., 2004). Other than gardens, a fireplace, a fountain, or aquarium can also be used as

natural visual stimulation to reduce stress and high blood pressure.

Especially in places where space is limited, hospitals can utilize synthetic views of

nature. For instance, photos or artwork that have nature as its theme could calm healthcare

workers and patients alike. Artificial supplements could suffice as well, such as the use of

artificial skylights in Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan which offers an artificial view of the
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sky and trees and mimics daylight patterns (Anderson, 2019). Simply placing some potted plants

in each room could help with the deficiency of nature in the healthcare environment. Direct and

indirect contact with nature are both beneficial for improving the hospital environment, which

will also help with the mental health of physicians and improve their performance (Karanikola et

al., 2020).

Physical Movement & Workout

Multiple studies have shown that exercise can help reduce burnout because it releases

endorphins which improves mood (Grossman, 1984). Healthcare professionals often promote

exercise to their patients; however, many surprisingly do not practice this simple method

themselves (Williams et al., 2015). This is mainly due to the lack of free time and convenient

access to a gym or workout space. A small amount of exercise has proven to reduce burnout.

According to Romani and Ashkar (2014), even a simple ten-minute stretching session can be

effective in lessening anxiety and exhaustion. In a study by Nutting et al. (2020), providing

residents with fitness activities that include high-intensity workouts in hospitals were shown to

improve mental health and wellbeing. Participants who adhered to the workout in their daily

rounds in the hospital reported to have less stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. As a result,

their mental and physical well-being improved, thereby also improving the quality of patient care

(Nutting et al., 2020).

By creating a workout facility in the hospital, healthcare workers would be able to access

a place to promote a healthier lifestyle. More staff support facilities, such as a gym, could help

reduce stress and burnout (Timm et al., 2019). A large gym is not necessary as long as healthcare

workers have access to a space to exercise. Even simple aerobic and muscle strengthening

exercises have been proven to improve quality of life in surgeons (Romani & Ashkar, 2014).
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Spaces for Social Interaction

Lack of social interactions is another factor that has been linked to more stress and

burnout among physicians. Higher employee engagement with their environment has shown to

produce better productivity and patient care, while less emotional commitment has indicated

burnout, stress, and exhaustion in healthcare workers (Timm et al., 2019). Hospitals need to

create an environment where physicians can foster relationships with colleagues and build

supportive relationships. If provided with support programs, administrative support, or spaces

where physicians can comfortably speak with their peers, these connections can help release the

mental and emotional burdens of a hospital environment (Philen, 2017). One approach some

hospitals have taken is the use of Balint Group Functions. This practice assembles doctors

together on a regular basis to review patient-physician interactions. Through these open

discussions, physicians were given a space they could open up and reflect on their experiences.

This program has helped build resilience and mindfulness in healthcare workers, thus reducing

burnout (Romani & Ashkar 2014; Philen, 2017).

Having a place to release emotions and express one’s thoughts is important for

maintaining a healthy mind. Such social interactions are beneficial in producing mindfulness and

stopping burnout from occurring in the workplace (Philen, 2017). Healthcare organizations need

to make it their responsibility to provide physicians with support programs or spaces where they

can build relationships for their own wellbeing. By improving physicians’ quality of life, the

patient care they produce will also improve, making the healthcare environment better as a

whole.
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Acoustic Design

Unwanted noise can be distracting and stressful for patients and healthcare workers alike.

It impacts productivity but likewise, it could hinder concentration for others. In a shared

workplace, uncontrollable noise can be stress inducing as it can be difficult to hear what another

person is saying. For healthcare professionals, there is an added challenge of communication and

awareness as they must be able to communicate throughout the hospital, hear medical machines,

and respond to emergencies.

In rooms where communication and noise is vital to the safety and health of patients and

healthcare workers, such as surgery rooms and patient rooms, noise levels need to be controlled

so that healthcare workers can respond appropriately. In spaces dedicated to the wellbeing of

healthcare workers, such as call rooms, break rooms, and the like, hospitals could implement

noise reduction materials so that they have a separation from work and rest. Similar to concert

halls, hospitals can use sound absorptive walls and ceilings to provide an environment free of

unwanted and uncontrollable distractions, therefore eliminating as much of the acoustic stresses

of a hospital environment as possible (Timm et al., 2019). These walls could also be enhanced

artistically with perforated wood panels, acoustic fabric wrapped panels, or cork materials

(Timm et al., 2019). Walls make up the majority of a building, thus making them a very effective

surface to implement designs to facilitate the acoustics of such environments that can get very

chaotic and noisy.

Spaces for Emotional Respite. Among the places in a hospital that need guaranteed

silence is a space for emotional respite. Doctors and nurses need a space where they feel safe to

divulge their feelings and express their sorrows and frustrations. Many resort to hiding in

stairwells, restrooms, and hallways when faced with emotional challenges (Philen, 2017). They
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prefer to be alone in order to maintain a degree of professionalism and personal control.

Providing a designated space so that they can express themselves privately can help to relieve

health care workers of their emotional stress and promote good mental health practice.

Color

Color has long been associated with people's mental health. Psychologists have found it

to be a visual stimulator that influences human emotion (Chen, 2013). Especially in a hospital

environment where doctors and long-term patients spend very long hours in the same space, the

color of the rooms will affect their mental state. For example, warm colors like red, orange,

yellow, and others within a similar range are associated with liveliness and comfort. Red

stimulates the nervous system and increases blood circulation, making it a great color for

energetic spaces. However, too much of this color is not preferred in the hospital environment as

it may produce anxiety and irritation if viewers stay in the room for a long amount of time

(Chen, 2013). Instead, hospitals could place small potted plants with red flowers throughout the

facility to give a red accent without overwhelming people with the color. Other warm colors like

yellow or orange could be used too. These colors are also bright and stimulating, but have a more

warm and comforting feeling. Yellow is often symbolized as a happy color which could bring

positive energy to healthcare workers and patients alike.

Opposite of warm colors, cool tones such as blue and green have different benefits in

healthcare architecture. Green tones bring nature indoors. Though there is no direct contact to

nature, this indirect representation of the green outdoors could simulate similar effects of

mindfulness and calm the nervous system (Philen, 2017). Green provides a feeling of safety and

comfort in freshness. Lastly, blue is a color associated with intelligence and calmness. Many

connect dark blue with the ocean which soothes the mind; helps stabilize breathing, emotions,
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and body muscles; and lowers blood pressure. Light blue mimics the sky to soothe and relieve

fatigue (Chen, 2013). Cool-toned colors may be more suitable for minimizing burnout in

healthcare workers through their calming effect.

Applying EBD in Hospital Design

By incorporating these elements into hospital design, the hope is to relieve some of the

stress that causes burnout among hospital workers. In order to ensure that the needs of healthcare

professionals are provided for, a floor or two dedicated just for employees should be considered.

In order to do so, the design concept called the Eudaimonia Machine will be adapted to hospital

architecture.

Research Methods and Design

Chicago architect, David Dewane, developed an office space design called the

Eudaimonia Machine (Murray, 2020). The blueprint of the Eudaimonia Machine was proposed to

mitigate many of the well-documented issues inherent to open plan office design by creating a

linear sequence of rooms: gallery, salon, library, office, and chamber (Murray, 2020). This

progression takes workers from spaces of maximum interaction and social engagement (the

gallery), to spaces of maximum focus and productivity (the chambers) (Murray, 2020). Figure 1

demonstrates this concept. However, this design concept was built for the traditional office

workplace; not hospitals. Due to these differences, some areas of the original Eudaimonia

Machine will need to be redesigned in order to suit the needs of healthcare workers while still

following the flow of social to silent and isolated spaces. This hospital-adapted Eudaimonia

Machine will also take into account the architectural factors of lighting, access to nature,

acoustics, color, spaces for workout, social interaction, rest, and emotional respite for each
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section of the machine in order to maximize its design purpose and reduce burnout in the hospital

environment.

Figure 1 (Murray, 2020)

Eudemonia Machine

The Eudaimonia Machine is a workplace design concept meant to bring out the highest

potential of all kinds of people regardless of profession. The design of this idea goes through a

linear plan of rooms from more open spaces to quieter rooms that allow for deeper focus (Ruby,

2018). The concept starts with a room called the gallery. This room is thought to contain displays

of the company’s achievements meant to inspire employees and keep them motivated at work.

For instance, the gallery would showcase awards the company has received and newspaper

clippings featuring employees for their achievements. This would also be the room which

displays employee of the year and other related forms of recognition. The addition of a gallery

hopes to facilitate a healthy competitive environment and inspire workers to do better (Ruby,

2018).

The next room is named the salon. This area is supposed to be a relaxing environment

that allows employees to collaborate. There should be comfortable furniture, Wi-Fi, and access

to a cafe (Ruby, 2018). This setting creates a casual atmosphere that allows employees to work

together in a low stress environment or simply chat during a break. The salon’s goal is to
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facilitate communication and exploration of ideas (Ruby, 2018). Succeeding the salon would be

the office space. Traditionally, this space would contain cubicles and desks. The office space is

meant to be a quiet environment for people to complete less demanding tasks (Ruby, 2018). The

final room in the Eudaimonia Machine is the chamber. This space should be the quietest area in

the building to allow for total concentration and little to no distractions (Ruby, 2018). The linear

design of the Eudaimonia Machine allows workers to progress from a more boisterous

environment to one of deep focus depending on the mood and needs of the people. It is meant to

accomodate for the variety of personalities found in a workplace (Ruby, 2018).

The Eudaimonia Machine could be an effective design model in reducing burnout, for it

gives employees the freedom of choice. This system not only provides a salon for those who

work best in a collaborative, cafe-style environment but also offers a traditional office space for

others who enjoy working in quiet and isolated places. When forced to work in a setting that

does not suit the worker, his or her productivity or motivation could be reduced. The set up of a

work environment can have great effects on the employee’s mental state which will also impact

their performance. If given the flexibility to choose a work setting that suits their needs, this

could increase employee satisfaction and productivity.

The gallery’s aim is to provide some form of healthy competition among workers. Often,

burnout develops when people begin to lose enthusiasm in their job and the activity becomes a

chore just to bring income and make a living. Having this space to display the awards and

recognitions the hospital has gained could motivate employees to keep working. The gallery is a

space to make employees feel prideful in their job and to find inspiration. The addition of

friendly competitions, such as employee of the year awards, may motivate workers to do their

best work and alleviate feelings of burden.

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Applying Eudaimonia Machine to Hospital Design

The Eudemonia Machine's potential contributions to improving the daily experience,

mental state, morale, and productivity of workers, offers a very relevant design framework to

rethink healthcare architecture. In the hospital environment, the Eudaimonia Machine would be

used to design the layout of a floor, or floors depending on the space available, that is only

accessible by healthcare workers. Though, it should be noted that the linearity central to the

Eudaimonia Machine can be difficult to implement in a hospital setting because hospitals must

consider the needs of patients as well as workers. This is not the case in most office spaces.

To start, the entrance to the floor of the hospital will be like a normal gallery described in

the original Eudaimonia Machine. The gallery would display any awards, certificates, or

newspaper recognitions the hospital has received. There could also be a section to recognize

healthcare workers who have won employee of the year awards, as well as positive reviews left

by patients. It is likely that physicians would not stay in the gallery for long periods of time;

therefore, red could be used more in this space to energize and inspire hospital workers. Because

of its location, the gallery would have ample light coming from windows. People would have

views of the outdoors, possibly nature, which could further help reduce burnout among hospital

staff.

Next would be the salon where a cafe and lounge area would be provided for healthcare

workers only. The cafe would have natural wood and light yellow accents to create an

invigorating but relaxing atmosphere as workers eat and relax away from the chaotic space of

their main work environment. Natural wood would be used so that it creates a calming

environment, and it brings nature indoors. Pastel yellow would be used as well because it is a

happy and warm color, which creates a cozy atmosphere and promotes conversation. Indoor
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plants would also be scattered throughout the space to once again bring nature indoors. There

would be some natural light coming through windows and skylights, but it would not be as bright

as the gallery. The lighting would be warm-toned as well to help with relaxation. The lounge area

of the salon would extend from the cafe and have round tables for healthcare workers to

collaborate or simply socialize during free time. The lounge would have sofas and other areas for

conversation. In addition, it would include a gym and recreation for healthcare workers

exclusively. These spaces would help mitigate burnout as exercise and relaxation are essential for

keeping a healthy mind. Since the salon is an area for social interaction, it makes the most sense

to place the gym and recreation area in this part of the hospital.

After the salon comes the library/office space. Unlike a traditional office building,

doctors do not need individual cubicles for their work. Instead, the library and office space could

be merged and replaced with meeting rooms and a medical library for physicians to do some

research or work in a quieter environment. This would also ensure that the Eudaimonia Machine

design concept would not take as much room as the original design, which is important in a

hospital setting where space can be limited depending on the location of the hospital. Noise

canceling materials would be used to block out some of the sounds that could distract people

from concentrating. The space would have neutral colors and blue accents to help with focus.

Blue is the color of intelligence and calmness, both essential qualities in this space. Although

doctors would discuss serious cases here, providing them with a calming environment through

space and color would help reduce stress and burnout.

The last section of the Eudaimonia Machine, the chamber, would be changed into a

resting and relaxation area in the hospital. This part of the floor would house the call rooms and

relaxation spaces such as meditation, a sauna, and/or views of the indoor courtyard garden. The
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dominant color of this space would be blue to induce a peaceful atmosphere for rest. This area

would be free of screens to minimize the presence of blue light and aid in sleeping. More noise

reduction materials should be used in the construction of the chamber to guarantee a quiet space

at all times. In addition, a section of this room would be used for emotional healing by providing

a space for emotional respite. The lighting in this space will be dim, almost like candle light.

Making use of ambient light could help physicians feel more relaxed and allow employees who

are on call overnight to rest easier when there are quiet periods. Providing a space where

healthcare workers can have guaranteed silence and privacy for rest, relaxation, and to reflect or

feel raw emotions is crucial for maintaining a healthy mindset and minimizing burnout in such a

stressful work environment.

Though the Eudaimonia Machine was designed for conventional office buildings where

employees spend the majority of their time sitting and doing desk work, the concept of the

machine could still be beneficial in the hospital setting. With the busy schedules physicians are

given, it is unlikely that they will have long periods of free time. However, providing them with

a space in the hospital where they can enter almost a completely different environment free of

the chaos of their jobs is important for minimizing stress and burnout. Implementing the adapted

Eudaimonia Machine into a hospital gives healthcare workers a place for motivation and

inspiration (the gallery), a relaxing lounge-style work space with areas for workout and

recreation (the salon), a quieter environment for research and solo work (the library/office

space), and finally a total noise-free and screen-free zone for rest, relaxation, and emotional

respite (the chamber). Each section of this medical Eudaimonia Machine will also have different

designs by lighting, color, and building materials to match the purpose of the specific space and

bring out the highest potential in healthcare workers.

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Preliminary Suppositions and Implications

The results of this study are meant to improve the lives of healthcare workers in the

hospital. If hospitals were to implement even some of these ideas into their design, overall work

satisfaction should increase, reducing burnout and producing better patient care. Ideally, new

hospitals should take into account these factors backed up by EBD to base their design in order

to fully address the issue of healthcare burnout.

This research proposes an ideal future hospital in which EBD and Eudaimonia Machine

are implemented to reduce stress and anxiety in order to provide healthcare professionals a more

peaceful environment to work. The hope is that all future hospitals will take into account these

factors that have been proven to reduce burnout into the design so that hospitals become a place

that promotes not only patient wellbeing, but also caters to the interests of healthcare workers.

Future hospital design could use these ideas to minimize burnout in healthcare workers.

Healthcare is one of the most stressful professions and burnout has become an increasingly

pressing challenge as medical errors have become the third leading cause of death among

patients (Do No Harm, 2018). These deaths could be easily avoided if healthcare workers were

better accommodated in their work environment. Although it is impossible to eliminate burnout

completely, providing a space in which hospital workers can do their job in a comfortable and

supporting environment could help reduce some of the stress that causes burnout.

By implementing these design elements and dedicating a space entirely to the needs of

healthcare workers, a hospital will have to spend more money; however, this will be beneficial in

the long run. Investing in a building that promotes physician well-being indirectly pays off

through enhanced patient care (Berry et al., 2004). If healthcare workers’ physical, mental, and

emotional wellbeing are met, this could reduce the amount of absences and increase productivity
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of workers, thereby increasing the profits of hospitals. For instance, incorporating more natural

light could help hospitals reduce electricity bills while improving the mood of workers and

patients. Physician burnout also increases the risks of medical errors. If burnout can be reduced,

less accidents will occur, resulting in fewer lawsuits.

In addition, the design ideas proposed will affect hospital policy decisions differently.

Depending on whether the hospital is a private, public, or a non-profit organization, the

governing body that regulates design will differ. There are state laws that regulate how hospitals

should be constructed. For instance, in California, general building codes require any kind of

construction to be earthquake resistant. Hospitals also have special requirements, such as an

emergency room on the first floor and the size of doorways, which will be kept standard even in

future hospital design. Depending on who is in charge of the hospital, policies and regulations

will differ. Therefore, the amount of influence this particular hospital design will have will

change depending on the needs and type of hospital.

Conclusion

Burnout is a serious problem among healthcare workers that can lead to major issues

related to mental health and medical errors among physicians. Hospital architecture can be used

to help minimize burnout so that healthcare professionals can have improved lifestyles and

greater work satisfaction. This research studies how architecture design can help reduce burnout

by incorporating past EBD research on lighting, color, acoustics, access to nature, places for

workout, collaboration, rest, and emotional respite with the Eudaimonia Machine design concept.

The Eudaimonia Machine has been used in the past to minimize burnout among office workers,

so adapting it to future hospital design could likewise have similar benefits.

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Although the implementation of this medical Eudaimonia Machine will require a

considerable amount of financial investment, the long-term benefits outweigh any initial costs.

Using the design suggestions could lead to fewer lawsuits and greater positive patient outcomes

as medical personnel are better taken care of and appreciated. The improved mental health of

physicians will reflect in their work, providing better patient care overall. Therefore, future

hospitals should consider the value of these evidence-based design ideas.

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References

Al-Sarraf , A., & Moffeq , M. (2020, October). The effect of natural lighting on design of

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