Lipson-Smith and teammates identified ways in which stroke rehabilitation facility design can support post-stroke recovery. They found “three over-arching, environmental principles: 1) promote variety and interest in the environment, 2) allow for privacy without isolation, and 3) patient-centred design. . . . stroke survivors value variety, change, and purpose in their physical environment; these qualities help to provide some connection with their surroundings, relieve boredom, and lift their mood. . . . the term ‘positive distraction’ has been used to describe aesthetic qualities in the environment, such as artwork or nature views, that patients find pleasant and interesting. . . . these elements of . . . ‘positive distraction’ must be present in other parts of the ward besides the patient bedroom in order to encourage stroke survivors to spend time in communal areas and engage in . . . activities that are beneficial for recovery. . . . what constitutes an interesting environment (or a fascinating environment, or a positive distraction) may vary between patients.”
Ruby Lipson-Smith, Heidi Zeeman, Leanne Muns, Faraz Jeddi, Janine Simondson, and Julie Bernardt. 2023. “The Role of the Physical Environment in Stroke Recovery: Evidence-Based Design Principles from a Mixed-Methods Multiple Case Study.” PLoS ONE, vol. 18, no. 6, e0280690, https:/doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0280690