How can the physical design of birth environments support the needs of women and family’s during birth? - A qualitative study of women’s birth experiences

Background: The physical environment has a profound influence on experiences, health and wellbeing of birthing women. An alternatively designed delivery room, inspired by the principles of healing architecture and Snoezelen, was established in a Danish regional hospital. The aim of the study was to explore women's experience of the environment and its ability to support patient-centered care.

Methods: Fourteen qualitative and semi-structured interviews were undertaken 3–7 weeks after birth.

Results: Excerpts of results from this study suggests that the environment, was accommodating to the women and family’s needs as it reduced stress- and anxiety during transition to hospital setting. Furthermore, it was found fitting to the interplay between the woman and her partner. The Interior, furniture, and equipment present in the delivery room seemingly played an important role in supporting these experiences.

Conclusion: The excerpts of results supports the understanding of how the physical design of birth environments influence on the well-being of patients and could play a central role in the discussion of how to make future birth environments not only patient-centered but also based on a family- centered approach.