Research on indoor thermal comfort of orthopedic patients in hospital

In the field of indoor thermal comfort research, there has been relatively little focus on the thermal comfort of orthopedic patients in indoor diagnostic and treatment spaces. To effectively improve the microclimate of orthopedic indoor treatment spaces in hospitals and provide a comfortable environment for orthopedic patients. This study focused on the thermal comfort of orthopedic patients. Meteorological measurements and questionnaires were conducted in six typical indoor treatment spaces selected from the orthopedic waiting area and ward area of the Northern Campus of Xi'an Honghui Hospital. Based on the survey data, optimization strategies for orthopedic indoor diagnostic and treatment spaces were proposed. Through the analysis of subjective responses from orthopedic patients and measured indoor thermal conditions, it was found that the thermal environment of orthopedic indoor diagnostic and treatment spaces in hospitals could meet the needs of most people (92.3%) in spring. At a Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) of + 0.21, the occupants in these spaces exhibited the most comfortable state, with a neutral Standard Effective Temperature (SET) range of 13.0 to 22.73 °C and a 90% thermally acceptable SET range of 15.8 to 27.4 °C. Orthopedic patients were more sensitive to changes in the thermal environment compared to healthy individuals, with a neutral SET* of 17.7 °C for orthopedic patients and 21.7 °C for healthy individuals. This study addresses the subjective responses and meteorological factor preferences of orthopedic patients, proposing targeted measures and suggestions for orthopedic treatment spaces in hospitals. Additionally, it provides scientific evidence and practical guidance for the rehabilitation of orthopedic patients and indoor treatment environments in regions of the same latitude.