Perception Of Healing Architectural Elements In Women's Healthcare Facilities In Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

This study looked at the use and influence of healing elements in the Women's Health Facilities (WHFs) architecture in Lagos, Nigeria. It investigated the extent to which healing architecture has been adopted and its implications on patient healing by assessing their perception and the perspectives of practitioners on its effect on patients. The study collected data from selected WHFs in Lagos using a questionnaire-based survey, allowing for an in-depth examination of the efficacy of healing architectural elements in enhancing patient and practitioner experiences. It employed structured questionnaires shared among 101 respondents out of the estimated 237 users in the seven WHFs by assessing the perceptions of two key respondent groups, patients and healthcare practitioners, on the effect of healing architectural elements. Data were analysed based on themes and statistical software (SPSS v26) for descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that most users were highly aware of the adopted healing elements, and practitioners reported significant effects of these elements on the patients' stress levels, blood pressure, heart rates, autonomic function, and mental engagement. Based on these findings, proposals for advancing the inclusion of healing elements in WHFs are given, including the use of natural elements, flexible spaces, colour and cultural sensitivity, and highlighted useful insights for future design considerations and healthcare practices.