A Comparative Study on Soundscape Perceptions in Different Healthcare Settings

Previous studies indicate healthcare environments are multi-sensory spaces where soundscape perception affects user experience, but these studies mainly focused on patient perception, neglecting different user groups and architectural settings. This study compares how patients and healthcare staff (doctors and nurses) perceive the auditory environment in two healthcare settings: a university health center and a city hospital, focusing on waiting areas. The university health center is a small, campus-based facility, while the Bilkent Oncology Hospital is a large-scale city hospital. Comparing them reveals how scale and environmental complexity affect soundscape perception quality (PAQ). The study utilized ISO 12913-2 Method A questionnaire to collect in situ data on perceptions of acoustic environments. It consisted of four parts including perceived affective qualities with Turkish attributes. Data were collected through field surveys using a convenience sampling method, with 120 participants in each setting. Results indicate a significant difference in soundscape perceptions. The university health center is perceived as "uneventful" and "monotonous," while the city hospital is "eventful" and "chaotic." Differences were also observed between staff and patient perceptions regarding the overall quality and appropriateness of the sound environment. Findings contribute to soundscape research by identifying how soundscape perception varies across settings and user groups.