Debate: Study Protocol. The Physical Environment and Home Healthcare Services. The development and Content of a Study Protocol to Explore Enablers and Barriers for the delivery of Home Healthcare Services

Abstract

Whilst home healthcare services for an aging population currently living in ordinary housing are increasingly needed, physical environments do not adequately meet current levels of demand for such services. The present study protocol, which combines qualitative and quantitative methods, was developed in order to explore the impact of architectural design on enablers and barriers in the delivery of home healthcare services. An interdisciplinary research team, drawn from the fields of architecture, healthcare, and occupational sciences, will execute the forthcoming study. This study protocol describes the design of that study, which will explore the relation between residential design and the conditions for care in ordinary housing.