CAVE for collaborative patient room design: analysis with end-user opinion contrasting method

Abstract

Several studies indicate that virtual reality (VR) systems are useful for end-user participation in an environmental design process. However, these systems can be costly and thus support for the decision whether to invest in a VR of some type is useful. This study presents a novel method for analysing the usefulness of a VR system for the purpose of end-user participation. We collected qualitative end-user opinion data in the real environment and then contrasted this data with the capabilities of a VR system. Additionally, to better understand the capabilities of the VR used, we examined how the end-users perceive the used virtual environment, which in this case was CAVE, an immersive VR system where projectors are directed to the walls of a room-sized cube. In this way, we analysed whether the same functions and elements identified by end-users on the actual wards could also be evaluated in the CAVE. Eleven nurses and 11 patients participated in the study by evaluating a bathroom and/or four patient rooms modelled by the CAVE and the actual hospital wards. The CAVE was convenient for evaluating most issues identified by the study participants in the actual hospital wards, i.e. aesthetics; correct location of equipment, supplies and materials; distraction by or the good companion of other patients as well as window position and size and living/workspace. However, it was not possible to evaluate with full certainty the possibilities for bracing against grab bars or other objects in the VR, and this was found to be relevant to the independent functioning of patients with limited mobility. Also, due to the relatively low luminance levels of projectors, evaluations regarding lighting were considered unreliable. Moreover, end-users were not always certain about the sizes and sufficiency of space in the CAVE. Solutions to overcome these limitations were proposed.

Index 1

Research guide for nurses [Translated from Finnish]

To develop the designs of hospital facilities, we wish that you photograph rooms, spaces and details of spaces in your hospital ward that are according to one or both of you

–Relaxing	–Stress inducing
–Aesthetic	–Anaesthetic
–Pleasant	–Unpleasant
–Well implemented for working	–Unpractical for working
–Well implemented for patient well-being	–Inconvenient for patient well-being
–Well functioning or	–Poorly functioning

We would also like you to report what features of the photographed objects are relaxing or stress inducing, aesthetic or anaesthetic, pleasant or unpleasant, well implemented or unpractical for working, well implemented or inconvenient for patient well-being or well or poorly functioning. Further, please explain why you have this opinion. You can tell freely from different thoughts and experiences. Also, report to the recorder when you leave or enter a room. When you enter a room please mention the room number and tell what type of room it is.

You can move on the ward freely and choose the rooms as you wish. However, to obtain your opinions comprehensively, we wish that you visit at least one of each of the rooms listed below:

____one-patient room

____two-patient room

____three- or four-patient room

____patient room bathroom

____public toilet

____office

____lounge

____coffee room

____storeroom

____pharmacy

____utility room

____showers

You can mark the rooms that you have visited. Furthermore, you can also observe the passageways and window views. Do not take identifiable pictures from the patients.