Impacts of Movement Facilities on Comfort Assessment of Patients in Hospitals: Evidence from Karachi hospitals

Hospitals are essential institutions to serve well-being and health. Embracing the ongoing changes in the built environment is a prerequisite for ensuring swift access to emergency services and improving patient care. Horizontal and vertical movement facilities are crucial built environment aspects. These elements play an exemplary role in circulation within the hospital premises. However, their impacts on the comfort of healthcare receivers are not examined in the scientific literature. The objective of the current study is to explore and synthesize a comprehensive understanding on how the movement zones influence patient’s comfort in hospital settings. In this regard, scientific literature was reviewed, and two tertiary care private hospitals were narrated as case studies. Key insights drawn from literature analysis illustrate that state-of-the-art movement facilities are integrated in hospitals, and patient comfort hinges on various aspects of these facilities. Moreover, patient comfort in Karachi hospitals is identified, showcasing corridors and courtyards that feature more often large windowsand nature-inspired elements. Wayfinding signage is also consistently employed for patient guidance. Thereby, the enclosed vertical areas and connected pathways significantly refine the quality of care and comfort by enhancing safety and reducing anxiety. In conclusion, movement facilities are prerequisites for creating a satisfying and healing environment, eventually leading to a better quality of comfort. This study reveals substantial value for engineers, designers, architects, and stakeholders, accentuating various aspects of movement facility designs for upgrading patient comfort.