Subjective acoustical quality in healthcare office facilities

Authors

  • Murray Hodgson University of British Columbia

Abstract

Health-care facilities include many non-clinical office spaces for administrative staff; the role of acoustics in these spaces has been underexplored. This paper discusses the acoustical part of a study of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in 17 healthcare office facilities. A subjective survey assessed office worker perceptions of their environments in general, and satisfaction with the acoustics. Self-reported productivity, well-being, and health outcomes were also captured. Satisfaction was lower with acoustics than with other aspects of IEQ. Satisfaction results were related to room type (e.g., open plan vs. shared vs. private office) and the absence or presence of a sound-masking system. Acoustics was the most important aspect of IEQ in predicting occupant satisfaction and well-being. Regression models were developed to predict workplace satisfaction, well-being and job satisfaction from survey responses. Results of physical acoustical measurements showed very low correlations with subjective responses.  The knowledge gained from this study informs the decision-making of designers and facilities management for upgrades and future design projects.

Additional Files

Published

2016-08-24

How to Cite

1.
Hodgson M. Subjective acoustical quality in healthcare office facilities. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2016 Aug. 24 [cited 2024 Nov. 25];44(3). Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/2917

Issue

Vol. 44 No. 3 (2016)

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada

License

Author Licensing Addendum

This Licensing Addendum ("Addendum") is entered into between the undersigned Author(s) and Canadian Acoustics journal published by the Canadian Acoustical Association (hereinafter referred to as the "Publisher"). The Author(s) and the Publisher agree as follows:

  1. Retained Rights: The Author(s) retain(s) the following rights:

    • The right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly display the Work on the Author's personal website or the website of the Author's institution.
    • The right to use the Work in the Author's teaching activities and presentations.
    • The right to include the Work in a compilation for the Author's personal use, not for sale.

  2. Grant of License: The Author(s) grant(s) to the Publisher a worldwide exclusive license to publish, reproduce, distribute, and display the Work in Canadian Acoustics and any other formats and media deemed appropriate by the Publisher.

  3. Attribution: The Publisher agrees to include proper attribution to the Author(s) in all publications and reproductions of the Work.

  4. No Conflict: This Addendum is intended to be in harmony with, and not in conflict with, the terms and conditions of the original agreement entered into between the Author(s) and the Publisher.

  5. Copyright Clause: Copyright on articles is held by the Author(s). The corresponding Author has the right to grant on behalf of all Authors and does grant on behalf of all Authors, a worldwide exclusive license to the Publisher and its licensees in perpetuity, in all forms, formats, and media (whether known now or created in the future), including but not limited to the rights to publish, reproduce, distribute, display, store, translate, create adaptations, reprints, include within collections, and create summaries, extracts, and/or abstracts of the Contribution.