Rapid Review of the Health Care Built Environment Support for Hospice/End-of-Life Patients, Families, and Interdisciplinary Care Teams.

The health care built environment directly impacts health outcomes and the care experience of the patient and family members. Elements of the built environment include the architectural design, spatial organization, and physical features of clinical spaces that shape workflow, communication, and safety. The physical care setting becomes especially significant in hospice, where the primary wishes of the patient shift from curative care to comfort and support. This rapid review explores the role of the health care built environment in shaping hospice care delivery and supporting patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams in adapting approaches that promote comfort and quality of care. The objectives were to examine the elements of the built environment that support care delivery and assess the adaptations to the environment that can enhance hospice care delivery. Through a systematic process, the authors identified salient themes specific to hospice services. A database search of Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and PsycINFO yielded 116 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. After a detailed review, 13 articles underwent a full review. Evidence of the impact of the built environment and adaptations for hospice delivery is lacking. Building and design guidelines, such as those set forth by the Facility Guideline Institute, can guide decision-making discussions. Given their unique perspective on day-to-day encounters, hospice and palliative care nurses can significantly shape the built environment.