Table 2 Themes and sub-themes identified from end-user interviews

Atmosphere

Abundant natural light

Bright rooms with ample windows providing natural light and views of nature are calming and boost mood/morale for families and providers (n = 105).

Low noise levels

Quiet environment improves concentration, task completion, and teamwork (n = 40). Sign of respect for patients.

Physical spaces

Single-occupancy rooms

Positive aspects (n = 69, e.g., privacy, family presence at bedside). Negative aspects (n = 30, e.g., safety concerns given increased distance between patients and providers).

Rooms clustered into clinical pods

Positive aspects (n = 4, e.g., ICU seems less busy). Negative aspects (n = 75, e.g., less situational awareness).

Medication rooms

Positive aspects: Large room for multiple users at peak time (n = 9). Quieter with less distraction during preparation (n = 2). Negative aspects: nurses can’t hear bedside alarms (n = 4). Need for extra staff coverage (n = 2).

Tradeoffs of larger spaces

Positive aspects (n = 56) of larger spaces such as facilitated teamwork activities (e.g., rounds without interruption) are worth the negative aspects including patient safety concerns. Additional measures are necessary to mitigate some negative aspects (n = 8).

Family participation in care

Family support areas

More space in family areas is functional (n = 17), with location (n = 19) and flexibility (n = 2) important.

Social networks

Location and configuration impact informal networks with other families (n = 2). Connectivity for family members (n = 2).

Equipment

Usability

Positive: Innovative equipment (n = 9). Negative: Challenges using new equipment in early phase (n = 8).

Storage

Positive: Same storage configuration in all clinical pods (n = 8). Supplies in the room (n = 2).

Provider connectivity

Positive: More computers to access and document clinical information (n = 19)