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Maternity Unit Design study part 2 : perceptions of space and layout

Design and use of space are critical features of contemporary healthcare facilities, but there is often pressure on available space. The drive to minimize the ‘institutional’ feel of maternity units has led to the move to make them more ‘homely’. This paper presents findings from a three-year nine-site study in England examining maternity unit design and its impact on women giving birth there. Data from a questionnaire survey of 559 mothers and 227 ward-based staff are augmented by analysis of follow-up on-site focus groups. For mothers, perceptions of spaciousness were strongly associated with overall satisfaction with surroundings and facilities, as well as with care received. Mothers’ perceived ability to move themselves or room furniture around during labour varied across units and was not associated with overall room size. Among midwives the belief that they provided good quality care was moderately correlated with positive responses concerning ward layout and a comfortable working environment. The paper is published in the British Journal of Midwifery, one of the leading journals in this field and underwent a rigorous peer review process. A multi-method approach including qualitative and quantitative methods was taken to ensure validity and rigour of the data, supported by statistical analysis of the findings. The research is original in that at the time of the study, no similar studies had been carried out which examined a holistic range of built environment variables within maternity units with a large sample of participants. The research was funded by NHS Estates (now Department of Health)