oa Evidence-based design towards sustainable school clinic

It is important to understand the needs of students and nursing staff by engaging them in the sustainable design process of school clinics. Sustainable design of clinics has a long-term impact on nursing staff and patient students care. Moreover, sustainable design plays an important role in the healthcare environments for student patients and nursing staff.The purpose of this study is to create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for the students as well as for the nurses on staff. Most patients are not happy to go to clinics; hence this sustainable design will create more of a homey feeling than a medical setting. The question presented in this study is whether optimal sustainable design and the physical environment will affect the health, comfort, relaxation and safety of student patients and nursing staff in school clinics.School clinics are there to serve the healthcare needs of students. School nurses are key players in the delivery of health services in the school clinic. Accordingly school clinics should be designed to support the school nurses in meeting patients’ needs . The specific sustainable design elements were determined through a review of related literature.Characteristics included: components (rooms), space, and size; general sustainable design elements; location; accessibility; the waiting area; the nurses office; the treatment room; the isolation area; the restroom (toilet); security, storage, safety elements; furnishings and treatment. Specific sustainable design elements included: lighting; windows; integrating natural elements into the design; promoting a sense of well-being for users; security and privacy; confidentiality elements; electrical elements; doors and signage; walls and ceilings; acoustics; use of color; heating / ventilation / air conditioning; and flooring elements.