Psycho-environmental processes of hospital design and their role during the COVID-19 pandemic (Procesos psicoambientales del diseño de hospitales y su implicación durante la pandemia por COVID-19)

Abstarct Despite the popularity of the humanization movement in healthcare environments, there has been no systematic implementation of design changes aimed at reducing the negative effects of hospital environments. This article reviews the contributions made by psycho-environmental research about the psycho-social implications of design for users’ health and well-being in the areas of healthcare, patient engagement, social interaction, spatial orientation and environmental stress. It also proposes recommendations for spatial design regarding the dual function of hospitals as a place of care for patients and a place of work for staff members. Finally, it discusses the amplification of the negative effects of hospital settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review provides a basic guide to the environmental effects of hospitals aimed at health professionals with a view to improving healthcare.